2023 Violet's Paradise, Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Moon Mountain District AVA, Sonoma County, California

Lavish aromas of dark chocolate covered cherry, violets, licorice, and cracked black pepper swirl on the nose of this high-elevation Cabernet. The palate delivers flavors of rich raspberry, spiced plum, and floral mélange, with powder fine tannin and a persistent finish. Yummy now, this will benefit from some time in the cellar. Best from 2030-2045. — Tom R. Capo Wine Enthusiast / 95 pts

2023 Violet's Paradise Cabernet Sauvignon is a commanding, yet refined expression of Monte Rosso Vineyard's old-vine, high-elevation blocks. The 2023 vintage challenged and rewarded in equal measure. A notably cold and wet winter delayed bud break and bloom, while heavy spring rains encouraged careful canopy management and disease vigilance. Patience was essential as the season progressed slower than average, but by late summer, the payoff was clear: extended hang time, moderate sugar accumulation, and exceptional phenolic maturity without heat stress.

Monte Rosso's elevated position above the fog line allowed for consistent light exposure and cooling afternoon breezes, preserving acidity while allowing slow, even ripening across Cabernet Sauvignon blocks. The result is a wine that marries power and finesse, dense in fruit, grounded in minerality, and lifted by vibrant natural acidity. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a site-driven, age-worthy mountain wine that captures both the tension and grace of the vintage.

Hand-sorted grapes, stemless fermentation in neutral barrels with native yeast and 7 to 14 days of maceration. Aged in neutral oak barrels for 26 months.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Violet’s Paradise is my ode to Monte Rosso, the vineyards I worked for nearly 11 years. My debut portfolio is inspired by more than my experience as the vineyard manager, but as the place that helped shape me. My wines represent the memories of working alongside people who had been farming historic Monte Rosso longer than I’ve been alive, and who taught me their techniques. My wines also honor the memory of my vineyard dog, Violet Mae, whose presence helped team members connect in challenging moments. Each Violet’s Paradise wine is a capsule of history, as my team and I stewarded the vineyard toward its next chapter of life.