97 Points
“Built to last, tannins are svelte and architecturally sound. Graphite and black tea add grip and verve, ascending in depth and flavor with each sip.”
The Tasting Panel•Nov 12, 2025
95 Points
“All from Oakville fruit, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Branding Iron sports a deep plum hue as well as a gorgeous perfume of cassis, darker currants, graphite, iron, and spicy wood. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shows the purity, structure, and depth, as well as the finesse, of this great vintage. Give bottles 2-4 years if you can and drink over the following two decades. Drink 2027-2045.”
Jeb Dunnuck•Dec 22, 2025
93 Points
“From a site in western Oakville, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Branding Iron features cool, gently herbal aromas highlighting cassis and black cherries. It's medium- to full-bodied, firmly built and rather restrained, with a tight, tannic finish that leaves behind a cloud of dust. There is good underlying fruit, but this wine seems to require some cellaring.”
Wine Advocate•Oct 1, 2025
93 Points
“Dark and winey, with a note of cool humus inlaid into a core of black currant and blackberry reduction notes. Shows a chiseled, grippy edge, with charcoal and cast iron accents helping to drive the finish. A late echo of bay leaf adds a touch of lift. Best from 2028 through 2038.”
Wine Spectator•Aug 7, 2026