JH Wine Consulting
For decades now, Jean Hoefliger has been one of Napa’s prominent winemakers. Born in Switzerland, Jean Hoefliger worked in vineyards and wineries throughout the world before landing in Napa Valley in 2001 and his first job working at Newton Vineyard. He transformed that Chardonnay program as I fondly remember the early 2000s Chardonnays made at that winery. Since then he’s made wine with some 25 brands including Alpha Omega Winery and AXR Napa Valley as well as with his long-time friend Michele Roland.
Hoefliger has an old-world winemaking style that also pushes some modern approaches.
“I like to be involved and be present in the wineries that are here locally” he said. “As far as the winemaking what I did in my life is when I got to the US I know that 98% of wine is consumed within four hours of their purchase. I am a fan of older wine and I had to see how to make drinkability wider. Back in 2001 I started barrel fermentation and what it does is help with binding the components with tannins and polysaccharides. The fiber of the wood catches these air bubbles” he said. He stated “Once you have texture and vibrancy how can you layer? Then I started working with stems. Now I probably use 25-35% stems across the board for Bordeaux varietals.”
Tasting with Hoefliger we talked vintages as well as international soccer. He is an exceptional talent and has a sterling lineup of new wines. I really enjoyed my time tasting with him. The wines show harmony with a beginning, middle and end, with terrific texture and freshness. He has a deft touch with whites, as his AXR whites in particular were sterling and show some really nice aging potential. Without further adieu here are my reviews of the wines by Jean Hoefliger and JH Wine Consulting.
AXR
Founded by Jean Hoefliger, Kelly Trevethan, Mark Schratz, and Don Van Laeken, AXR is located in St. Helena and is named after AxR1 rootstock. They make a wide range of wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon. I tasted here with James Suckling roughly a decade ago.
2024 AXR Sauvignon Blanc- Nearly all Sauvignon Blanc, alongside a touch of Semillon the 2024 AXR opens with starfruit, kiwi and shades of sourdough bread with white flowers on the nose. The palate is soft and round with a smooth mouthfeel and bright underlying tension. Drink 2026-2031- 91
2024 AXR ‘Ganzin’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 ‘Ganzin’ has 12% Sémillon blended in. This was all barrel-fermented, stored in 30% new French oak puncheons. The nutty nuances from the Semillon entice, as this comes off fat on the tongue, laded with stony minerals. A great melange of melon and citrus fruits combine on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 93
2024 AXR ‘Napa Valley’Chardonnay- The 2024 AXR ‘Napa Valley’Chardonnay was stored in 25% new French oak for 14 months before bottling. It comes off soft and approachable with a refined texture. Melon and citrus fruits collide with baking spices and pastry crust notes on the palate. This is a really nice wine for the price. Drink 2026-2033- 92
2024 AXR ‘Ganzin’ Chardonnay- A great showing from this vintage, the 2024 AXR ‘Ganzin’ is all Montrachet clonal Chardonnay from the Hudson Vineyard. It is lush and generous wine that is built to age. Showing great tension, with salty minerals, this leads with honeydew melon and starfruit notes with hints of cashew nut on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2024 AXR ‘Hudson Vineyard’ Chardonnay- An outstanding edition of this wine, the 2024 AXR ‘Hudson Vineyard’ Chardonnay is ripe and dense, with plenty of stuffing and salty character. This is texturally gorgeous as this saw some extended battonage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of honeysuckle and juicy peaches that combine with cardamom dusted sourdough bread. The palate is rich and viscous, yet light on its feet, showing excellent underlying verve. Drink 2026-2036- 95
2024 AXR ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this outstanding Sonoma Vineyard, the 2024 AXR ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay is all Wente clonal selection. It immediately offers a silky texture on the approach. Brioche, caramel and macadamia nut flavors combine with heady melon and citrus fruits on the palate. The flavor range is outstanding here. Drink 2026-2036- 95
2023 AXR ‘Proprietary Red’ Red Wine- The 2023 AXR ‘Proprietary Red’ Red Wine offers straightforward black currant and blackberry flavors alongside stony soils on the palate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2033- 92
2023 AXR ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Already nicely evolved, the 2023 AXR ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows milk chocolate and green herbs on the nose with shades of cassis and tobacco leaf. The palate is soft and inviting with medium-bodied dark fruits at the core. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2023 AXR ‘AxR1’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘AxR1’ comes from all of their Napa Vineyards. It opens with black rose petals and black raspberry with lavender tones on this perfumed nose. The palate is dense and delicious with terrific stony minerality. Lush dark fruits mingle well with pencil lead and cassis tones on the palate. This is already drinking marvelously in its youth. Drink 2026-2038- 94
2023 AXR ‘Crown Point Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The only Santa Barbara County based wine in the lineup, the 2023 AXR ‘Crown Point Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off black rose petals and ripe fig on the nose with shades of espresso grounds. The palate is smooth throughout the drinking experience with medium to full-bodied dark fruits, salty nuances and graphite tones. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 AXR ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site set on alluvial soils. It opens with kirsch, and creme de cassis with loganberry preserves on the nose. The palate is round and generous with a terrific mouthfeel and good weight and length. A dazzling wine to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95
2023 AXR ‘Bennett Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 AXR ‘Bennett Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this Napa Valley location. Wet rock and black rose petals all mark the nose alongside pipe tobacco notes. Full-bodied, lush and generous, this is drinking great right now in its heady youth with its black-fruited core. Drink 2026-2038- 95
2023 AXR ‘Harbison’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 2023 ‘Harbison’ opens with dark florals, wet rock and loamy soils alongside hints of red bell pepper. The palate is smooth and viscous with a deep core of black fruits alongside chocolate fudge notes. This is marvelous with its light stony accents and great rocky soil character. Drink 2026-2038- 96
2023 AXR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An electric wine from this location, the 2023 AXR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off black tea and exotic spices on the nose alongside loamy soils. The palate is deep and concentrated with terrific tension and flavor density. Already decadent and delicious, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 98
2023 AXR ‘V. Madrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An outstanding wine, the 2023 AXR ‘V. Madrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon is heady and silky throughout the drinking experience. Lush black and blue fruits parade with sweet pipe tobacco and loamy soils on the palate. This has a tremendous sense of place. Drink 2026-2040- 96
2023 AXR ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2023 AXR ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off Earl Grey tea, white pepper and black currants on the nose alongside wet soils. The palate is lush and elegant with terrific richness and depth in its black fruit core. Already beautifully defined, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 96
CONN CREEK
At Conn Creek Bordeaux-styled red wines began to be produced in 1973 when it was founded by Bill and Kathy Collins. Conn Creek was among a small group leading a renaissance of the Napa Valley and played an important part in establishing Napa Valley’s reputation as a fine wine growing region. In 1979, the Collins family built what is now Conn Creek Winery in the Rutherford appellation. They continue to focus on producing Bordeaux varietals in Napa.
2024 Conn Creek ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc was barrel fermented and also saw time in stainless steel. It opens with beautiful white florals, peaches and shades of pink grapefruit on the nose. The palate is smooth and silky with good refinement and energy. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2023 Conn Creek ‘Anthology’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Anthology’ offers graphite and red currants on the nose with red florals. Nicely poised and medium-bodied, this is smooth throughout the drinking experience with a melange of red and dark fruits alongside green herbs and milk chocolate. This is plush and open right now, as it is drinking marvelously. Drink 2026-2036- 92
2023 Conn Creek ‘Cuvee Collins’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Already nicely evolved, the 2023 Conn Creek ‘Cuvee Collins’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows dried herbs, black fruits and pencil leaf on the nose alongside shades of black licorice. The palate is soft and medium-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2036- 92
2023 Conn Creek ‘Class of ’73’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Conn Creek ‘Class of ’73’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to the year of the Judgement of Paris and when Conn Creek started. Stored for 24 months in oak, it is round on the mouth with refined tannins. Lighter to medium-bodied dark fruits parade with chocolate fudge notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 92
2023 Conn Creek ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon - An excellent edition of this wine, the 2023 Conn Creek ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal and was stored in 55% new French oak. It opens with black florals, anise and cassis notes on the nose. Medium-bodied and well-structured, with a graphite edge, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2023 Conn Creek ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Conn Creek ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon opens with black rose petals, violets, scorched earth and rocky nuances on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and laden with stony minerals, as this is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2023 Conn Creek ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 2023 Conn Creek ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon is already drinking marvelously. Once on the nose this shows off beautiful dark florals and Cuban cigar notes that parade with black raspberry. Easy-going and medium-bodied with good weight and freshness, savor this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93
MERRYVALE
This winery began in 1933 as Sunnyhill Winery, making it the first post-Prohibition production facility built in the Napa Valley. Renamed Merryvale in 1986, Swiss-born Jack Schlatter became a partner in 1991 and took sole ownership with his family in 1996. His son, René Schlatter, took over as CEO in 2008, continuing a tradition of sustainable, family-operated estate winemaking.
2024 Merrvale Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Oak Knoll AVA. It offers gooseberry, kiwi and yeasty notes on the palate, alongside copious minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91
2023 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- A delicious bottling, with great salty character, the 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ by Merryvale’ comes from two locations in this AVA with multiple clones. Right away this shows opulence and great texture. Salted nuts, nectarine and shades of toasty brioche all combine on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 93
2023 Merryvale ‘Silhouette’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous ‘Cru’ bottling by Merryvale, the 2023 ‘Silhouette’ comes from Stanley Ranch. It opens with a bright bouquet of baking spice laced citrus fruits, diatom, white florals and lemon zest. The palate is round and rich with terrific mouthfeel, weight and length. Glorious now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly all varietal with 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot, and 1% Syrah. It is soft and easy-drinking wine that offers ripe blackberry and back currant flavors alongside baking spices on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 90
2023 Merryvale ‘St. Helena Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from their estate vineyard, the 2023 ‘St. Helena Estate’ has a touch of Cabernet Franc blended in. Stored in 80% new French oak it is an excellent showing with a beam of tension and salinity on the mid-palate with medium bodied cassis and chocolate notes alongside damp soils. Drink 2026-2036- 92
2023 Merryvale ‘Peridot’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Peridot’ is 100% varietal coming from Mt. Veeder. It comes off medium-bodied, firm and well-structured. Stony minerals collide with its core of pencil lead and black fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2023 Merryvale ‘Altezia’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Altezia’ has a dash of Syrah blended in. This is sourced from the highest vineyard in Napa. Showing good tension and flavor density, the rocky soil character here is outstanding. Black currants and black cherry compote flavors collide with wet gravel on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another stunning edition of this wine, the 2023 ‘Profile, has 5% Cabernet Franc blended in. It is fat and lush on the mouth with terrific texture, weight and range. Creme de cassis and loamy soils collide with shades of violets, tar and sweet pipe tobacco on the palate. This is silky and refined on the mouth with firm tannins. This is going to age gracefully for two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 96
3/Thirds Winery
A truly unique winery, 3/Thirds is an inspiring collaboration representing "things in threes", combining the distinct expertise of its three world-renowned founders Aaron Pott, Jean Hoefliger and Michel Rolland. This is a mailing list only wine that has a third of its Cabernet Sauvignon produced from each respective winemaker.
2023 3/Thirds Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautiful wine now at the three year mark, the 2023 3/Thirds Cabernet Sauvignon is a project between Michel Rolland, Michel Rolland and Aaron Pott. It opens with black rose petals, anise and creme de cassis tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is laden with tension and medium-bodied with refined tannins and good structure. Drink 2026-2036- 95
YOUNT RIDGE
Owned by Assemblage Retail Group who acquired this brand in 2024, Yount Ridge wines are made by Jean Hoefliger. Wines come from their 25-acre organically farmed site with a luxury home that can rent out on property.
2023 Yount Ridge ‘1836’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘1836’ is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc. This comes off juicy and delicious with a soft mouthfeel. Loganberry and black cherry flavors mingle with salty soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 91
2023 Yount Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Yount Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon has 19% Cabernet Franc blended in. It is already nicely evolved stuff with its core of chocolate fudge, black currants and loamy soils. Drink 2026-2035- 92
2023 Yount Ridge ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Oakville’ opens with tar, tobacco leaf, roasted fig, and loamy soils on the nose. The palate is fresh and smooth with a seamless texture and bright underlying tension from this slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2026-2035- 93
HARBISON
Joe and Patricia Harbison established the 5-acre estate in 2005. Joe is a retired Navy intelligence officer and wine collector, while Patricia leads the Harbison Family Foundation. These are extremely limited production wines that are farmed in small blocks including The Trail, Pony Express and Horseshoe.
2023 Harbison ‘Horseshoe’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The astonishingly good 2023 Harbison ‘Horseshoe’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this location that neighbors Screaming Eagle. It opens with dark currants, black tea leaf, pencil lead and shades of mocha on the nose. The intoxicating bouquet brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is lush and refined with a silky mouthfeel and smooth texture. Loaded with stony and salty soil character, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2042- 97
2023 Harbison ‘Pony Express’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A gorgeous wine from this slightly cooler year, the 2023 ‘Pony Express’ opens with purple florals that parade in unison with dark currants and hints of fresh sage. The palate is lush and refined with a terrific mouthfeel and underlying tension. A great core of black fruits greets you alongside copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2042- 97
2023 Harbison ‘The Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘The Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this volcanic soil location under Silverado Trail. It opens with a core of heady dark fruits and black florals alongside wet rock and herbal accents on the nose. The palate is lush, dense and elegant as this glides throughout the drinking experience. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2043- 97
SVV
Set in a somewhat cooler location in Napa, SVV or Sunshine Valley Vineyards is located in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley. A moderate climate, Marine air, and Summer fog combine with well-drained soils, they produce well-balanced wines crafted by Jean Hoefliger.
2023 SVV Cabernet Sauvignon- Medium-bodied and smooth, the 2023 SVV opens with black florals on the nose with blackberry compote and shades of black licorice. Delicious and ripe, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 SVV ‘Jubilee’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Jubilee’ offers mocha, tar and black licorice flavors that mingle alongside copious minerals on the palate. Medium-bodied, with refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 SVV Cabernet Franc- The 2023 SVV Cabernet Franc opens with dark florals and black cherry compote on the nose with black tea notes. Smooth and medium-bodied, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94
TERRA SOLIS
Latin for ‘Land of the Sun’ Terra Solis is set in the serene countryside of Napa Valley, in the Coombsville AVA. Terra Solis is a 6.3 acre boutique vineyard property that grows premium Cabernet Sauvignon made by Jean Hoefliger.
2023 Terra Solis Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Terra Soils comes from a vineyard in Coombsville. It comes off smooth and medium-bodied with good salty nuance and a core of tobacco leaf with black currants. This has beautiful poise and freshness. Drink 2026-2035- 92
THE DEBATE
The Debate is a boutique Napa Valley winery founded in 2010 by winemaker Jean Hoefliger that produces single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs made by Jean Hoefliger. They have a tasting room located in St. Helena and they source from some of the most famed sites in Napa including Sleeping Lady and Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyards.
2023 The Debate ‘Harbison’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 The Debate ‘Harbison’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, viscous and well-structured bottling that is drinking marvelously now. The velvety tannins and texture are outstanding here. Loamy soils mingle with wet rock and shades of sweet pipe tobacco with creme de cassis on the palate. Drink 2026-2037- 96
2023 The Debate ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 The Debate ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this location that is hot and early-ripening in St. Helena. It opens with dark currants, chocolate fudge and anise notes on the nose. The palate is medium to full-bodied with refined tannins and a smooth mouthfeel and excellent underlying verve. Drinking really well now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2037- 96
2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Plush and bold from this famed location in Oakville, the 2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers mocha, scorched earth and Cuban cigar notes on the palate with hints of creme de violette. Fat and generous, showing broad-shoulders, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 97
2023 The Debate ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Franc- The outstanding 2023 The Debate ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Franc opens with black rose petals, garrigue, tar and pipe tobacco on the nose alongside loamy soils. The palate is salty and refined with a medium to full-bodied core of dark fruits alongside a graphite edge. Drink 2026-2037- 96
2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Franc- An awesome wine from this storied site, the 2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Franc comes from only four acres at this location. It opens with beautiful dark florals on the nose that parade with black licorice and cassis tones. The palate is lush and generous with terrific freshness and texture. Drink 2026-2038- 96
2023 The Debate ‘Stagecoach’ Cabernet Franc- Sourced from this stony, mountainous location, the 2023 ‘Stagecoach’ offers plenty of stony minerals on the palate alongside a core of ripe blackberry and black currant flavors. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95
2023 The Debate ‘The Ultimate’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘The Ultimate’ is a magnum-only blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc where all six wines are blended together. It shows velvety tannins that frame a lush core of dark currants, pencil lead and loamy soils on the palate. Refined and smooth throughout the drinking experience, this is marvelous stuff to consume now and one the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 97
MR
MR Napa Valley an eponymous ultra-premium red wine created by legendary Bordeaux enologist and consultant Michel Rolland and famed winemaker Jean Hoefliger. The wine comes from some famed locations including To Kalon and Sleeping Lady Vineyards.
2023 MR - Michel Rolland Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 MR Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of Napa Valley vineyards. It is a heady and neatly-balanced beauty that is already nicely defined. A core of creme de cassis and loganberry compote all come together on the palate alongside stony minerals and loamy soils. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96
YAO FAMILY WINES
NBA legend Yao Ming founded Yao Family Wines out of his love for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. They began with the 2009 vintage, which debuted publicly in late 2011. Wines are made by Jean Hoefliger and are opulent and beautifully textured. I have been tasting these wines since the winery’s inception.
2023 Yao Family Wine Cabernet Sauvignon- A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot this shows off stony soils alongside black tea and Middle Eastern spices on the nose. The palate is lush and generous with terrific weight and texture. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Lunar Near Year Horse Limited Edition’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Lunar Near Year Horse Limited Edition’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast. It comes off juicy and delicious on the palate, brimming with freshness and offering a smooth texture. Bright black fruits parade with stony minerals and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 92
2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Family Table Red Blend’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Family Table Red Blend’ Red Wine is smooth and viscous throughout the drinking experience. It is a harmonious core of chocolate, ripe fig and tobacco leaf that combines with damp soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93