Napa Cabernet 2022: The top wines from Calistoga

In 2022, Calistoga’s wines reflect the AVA’s characteristic warmth, intensified by the extreme heat dome that defined the vintage.

However, despite the challenges, consumers should look for names like J. Davies, Arkenstone, Perliss and Venge. These producers harvested grapes from sites in the northern end of Calistoga, where there’s a cool wind corridor.

Their wines achieved balance, maintaining freshness and structure, while showcasing the appellation’s hallmark boldness.

Scroll down for notes and scores for the the top-rated Calistoga 2022 Cabernets

The wines predominantly lean into a dark-fruited profile, with blackberry, black cherry, cassis and plum as the dominant fruit expressions.

Some wines introduce red-toned elements – raspberry, red cherry, pomegranate and strawberry fruit leather – offering an energetic lift. Blue fruit notes also emerge in select bottlings, adding brightness.

Calistoga 2022: The top-performing producers

Arkenstone

Perliss

B Cellars 

Venge Vineyards

Impensata

J Davies Vineyards

Larkmead

Napa Valley Cabernet 2022: Full vintage report and top-scoring wines

The influence of oak ageing contributes layers of mocha, dark cacao, espresso and Mexican chocolate, while spice aromatics range from cedarwood, sandalwood and warm brown spices to exotic nuances like white pepper, sassafras and Indian spices.

The wines deliver power, density and opulence, yet many also reveal surprising finesse and freshness.

Tannins vary from super-fine and pixelated to firm and powdery, with many wines showing elongated, structured finishes that support their fruit concentration.

While some wines are immediately approachable, others remain coiled and structured, requiring time to unwind.

The interplay of plush fruit, layered complexity and structural integrity suggests that many wines will be enjoyable in the near term.

Calistoga at a glance

Climate Calistoga sees the most rain in the Napa Valley and has the highest diurnal variation, meaning the difference in temperatures from daytime highs to nighttime lows. The region is cooled at night by breezes from the Pacific Ocean through the Chalk Hill Gap.

Soils There is a uniformity of volcanic origin to the soils in Calistoga, though they may vary from heavier clay-silt in the valley’s centre to stony, cobbly soils on the hillsides.

Elevation Calistoga has a serious range in elevation, beginning at 92m and peaking out at up to 370m at the higher elevation sites.

Click here for scores and reviews of all 650+ 2022 Napa Cabernets tasted

Cristaldi’s 2022 value picks from Calistoga

Jax Vineyards, Estate Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon

B Cellars, Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Larkmead, Cabernet Sauvignon

Calistoga 2022: The top-scoring Cabernets

Related articles

• Napa Valley Cabernet 2022 vintage preview
• Napa Valley Cabernet 2021: Full report and buying guide 
• Napa Cabernet 2021: Score table