Last night around 7:30, I pulled the cork on the 2023 Navigator Cabernet Sauvignon — a bottle that’s been staring me down on the shelf for weeks. The label alone feels like an old star chart you’d find tucked in a captain’s cabin. I appreciate when a wine has a little swagger before the first pour.
First Impressions
Right out of the gate, the aromas were surprisingly expressive: red currant jam, boysenberry, blueberry fruit cup — exactly like the tasting card promised. But the thing that grabbed me was the spiced clove and a faint whiff of white pepper. It reminded me a bit of the Cabernets you find from the warmer stretches of Rutherford, only more friendly and less brooding.
The wine opened up quicker than expected. I took one sip and said out loud, “Okay, Navigator… you’ve got something to say.”
Flavor & Feel
On the palate it stays consistent:
- Dark berry fruit
- Citrus twinge that keeps it from feeling heavy
- Dried savory herbs
- A faint mineral edge (that “sedimentary rock” note is real)
- Mouth-watering tannins — grippy but not harsh
The thing is, this Cab drinks like a structured mid-week wine you don't need to overthink. Not soft, not overly polished — just honest Napa fruit with a bit of muscle.
Food Pairing Moment
I paired it with simple steak tips and roasted potatoes, and it held up great. The citrus note almost acted like a squeeze of lemon on the meat — unexpected, but I liked it.
This would also hit well with:
- Lamb burgers
- Dry-rubbed ribs
- A big plate of spaghetti bolognese
- A sharp aged cheddar
Would I Buy It Again?
Yeah — for $19.99, this is an easy yes.
Is it a cellar wine? No.
Is it a great value Napa Cab for the price point? Absolutely.
I’ve had Napa bottles twice this cost that don't have this clarity or balance.
