2022 Synthesis, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Martin Ray's Synthesis project melds mountain-grown power and structure with valley-floor opulence, drawing from vineyards across Napa's most revered AVAs like Mount Veeder, Rutherford, and Diamond Mountain. It’s this Synthesis—a whole greater than the sum of its parts—that is the key to this Cabernet Sauvignon. Diverse sources allowed Keith Emerson to ride out 2022’s dramatic weather patterns: early budbreak, late spring cold snaps, and record drought conditions—pulling off an expertly-blended wine with concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and exceptional balance. Each barrel lot was hand-selected and aged 16 months in 40% new French and American oak. Why You'll Love It Simply thrilling Cabernet for the money: a juicy basket of bright red fruits (tart cherry, red currant) against a backdrop of deeper mulberry and marionberry, with savory notes of fresh thyme, walnut, and cedar as a backdrop. This wine will SLAY in a blind lineup of Napa Cabernets. Suckling’s 95pt review: “Plush an