Burgess Contadina Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

About This Wine

The 2023 Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon from Burgess Cellars is a classic Napa expression from a historic producer rooted on the slopes of Howell Mountain since the early 1970s. Burgess has long been known for crafting structured, old-school Cabernets that emphasize balance and vineyard character rather than sheer power, a philosophy that continues under the winery’s modern revival.

In the glass, the wine opens with inviting aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry layered with savory notes of bay leaf, mint, and sweet tobacco. The palate is richly textured yet composed, delivering waves of black currant, blueberry, and plum supported by hints of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice from French oak aging. Fine-grained tannins provide structure while maintaining a supple mouthfeel, leading to a long, polished finish marked by dark fruit and subtle herbal complexity.

True to the Burgess style, Contadina balances Napa ripeness with freshness and restraint. The result is a Cabernet that feels both generous and classic—approachable in its youth yet structured enough to evolve gracefully in the cellar over the next decade. For collectors and everyday Cabernet drinkers alike, it offers a compelling glimpse of Napa Valley heritage with a distinctly elegant edge.