The Nunnery 2023 Red Wine
The Nunnery sits high in Nunn’s Canyon on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas, where the mountain begins in a quiet redwood forest before opening to sunlit vineyard slopes. Basalt soils and volcanic ash shape a site that feels both rugged and precise, a place where mountain air and elevation bring clarity and structure to the vines.
Farmed organic and biodynamically by legendary viticulturist Phil Coturri, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is as exotic, intense and complex as its mountain soils, with remarkable depth and layered flavors.
The Nunnery is a striking mountain vineyard perched high in Nunn’s Canyon on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas. Originally designed and planted by renowned organic viticulturalist Phil Coturri, the site reflects a deep understanding of mountain viticulture, where volcanic soils, elevation, and steady mountain air shape wines of clarity, structure, and vibrant energy. The resulting wines carry a sense of precision and lift, with layered aromatics, firm yet refined tannins, and a long, resonant finish that speaks clearly of the site.
In 2023, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the vineyard’s carefully mapped blocks were harvested together as the varieties naturally converged in maturity. After careful cluster sorting, the fruit was destemmed and gravity-transferred into open-top fermenters. Cabernet Franc was placed at the base of the tank, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon layered above. The must underwent a four- to five-day cold soak at 50°F, preserving freshness while gently building color and aromatic complexity.
Fermentation began as the tank was gradually warmed to 60°F and then allowed to rise naturally to approximately 86°F. Extraction was managed through thoughtful punch-downs and selective pump-overs early in fermentation, followed by gentler homogenization as the wine approached dryness, allowing structure and finesse to develop in balance.
After fermentation, the wine was drained and the remaining skins gently pressed. The combined free-run and press fractions settled before being racked to French oak barrels for élevage, where the wine slowly developed integration and depth. After time in barrel and bottle, The Nunnery emerges with the hallmark qualities of great mountain vineyards—clarity, structure, and an enduring sense of place. Already compelling in its youth, this wine will continue to evolve gracefully for many years to come.
66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc
Region
Appellation
Vineyard
Farming Method
Oak
Alcohol
PH
TA
Production
Harvest Date
Vintages
Reviews
"This wine balances tightly packed fruit and aromatic lift with minerals, a mountain personality and an herbal edge. The palate is taut and precise, with mouthwatering acidity, a lush mouthfeel and chalky tannins from being grown on volcanic ash. Unique and precise. From 33% whole-cluster, co-fermented cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. The premier release of this pure, thoughtful wine. Drink or hold."
- 95 points, James Suckling
"The 2023 The Nunnery is a blend of co-fermented Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from one of the most evocative sites on Moon Mountain. Deep, bold and impressively layered, the 2023 is a total stunner. Time in the glass brings out scents of mocha, lavender, dried herbs, incense, licorice and sweet pipe tobacco. This young, virile wine is still coming together in bottle, but it is seriously impressive. Huge, sweeping tannins need time to settle."
- 95+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous