Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2023

99/100 James Suckling
 
"This is evolving beautifully, with aromas of blueberries, limes, sandalwood, cedar, black currants and a hint of cardamom. Medium- to full-bodied with totally integrated tannins that melt into the wine and give it a structured presence, framing and an endless center palate. Best Ulysses ever?"
 
James Suckling about the vintage: "2023, perhaps one of the greatest vintages ever in Napa with a sort of 1974 vibe to it."
 
Ulysses is produced in significantly smaller quantities than Dominus, with roughly 60% less production.
 
Bordeaux-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon blend (predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot) that emphasizes structural precision and age-worthiness over sheer ripeness or extraction. The vintage benefited from a cool, even growing season, yielding firm acidity, finely-grained tannins, and seamless oak integration. Unlike many Napa Cabernet Sauvignons, it reflects meticulous vineyard management, low yields, and a philosophy focused on terroir expression, producing a wine with a classical framework and long-term cellar potential.