Cabernet Sauvignon “Affinity”, Robert Craig, Napa Valley, CA, 2023

Professional ratings

• 92 points – Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
  • Review summary: Bright, energetic, and focused, with red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, and lively acidity. Galloni describes it as an excellent introduction to the Robert Craig lineup and notes that the 2023 is the first Affinity to combine fruit from both Mt. Veeder and Moon Mountain vineyards. He recommends giving it a year or two in bottle to allow the tannins to soften.

Winemaker's profile

Robert Craig describes the 2023 as:

• Mountain-sourced Bordeaux blend
• Aromas and flavors of graphite, mineral, and dark blackberry fruit
• A long, cool growing season that produced structure and freshness
• More restrained use of new French oak to emphasize fruit purity

The blend is approximately:

• 81% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 12% Merlot
• 5% Malbec
• 2% Petit Verdot.

Critical perspective

The 2023 vintage is expected to age well thanks to:

• vibrant natural acidity
• firm but fine tannins
• moderate alcohol (14.8%)
• mountain fruit concentration

Compared with richer, more opulent Napa Cabernets, Affinity continues Robert Craig's house style of emphasizing freshness, structure, and minerality over sheer ripeness. The 2023 appears to follow that pattern closely.