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We’re honored and proud to share that the 2023 Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has been named the #11 wine in the United States on International Wine Report’s Top 100 USA Wines of 2025.

This recognition is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of a mountain vineyard that continues to deliver, a vintage that brought everything into balance, and a winemaker who poured his soul into every drop.

A 100-Point Review from International Wine Report

Here’s what International Wine Report had to say in their glowing review:

“The 2023 Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is once again a knockout from Adversity Cellars. Offering a stunning bouquet that immediately captivates the senses with its vibrant aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, and black cherries, intertwined with liquid violets and lavender. Fresh herbs and exotic spices add an intriguing complexity, while hints of graphite and loamy nuances round it out. On the palate, this full-bodied Cabernet is both polished and dense, offering a rich concentration that reveals layers of flavor with each sip. Its balance of freshness and sophistication highlights the wine's inherent power, leading to a long, memorable finish. This Cabernet is nothing short of stellar and is poised for an exciting evolution with time in the bottle.”

To be featured on this list among Napa’s elite—and to do so with a 100-point score—is a milestone for our team and a testament to what’s possible when vineyard and vintage align in extraordinary ways.

Russell Bevan’s Tasting Notes

Few wines have left an impression on Russell Bevan like the early 1990s Bryant Family bottlings crafted by the iconic Helen Turley. And with this 2023 Melanson, Russell believes he may have captured some of that same magic.

“This is as close as I’ve ever come to capturing the soul of those magical early '90s Bryant Family wines crafted by the legendary Helen Turley. I’ll never claim to be her equal, but her wines left an indelible impression on me—especially the way they danced with ripe blueberry and cherry fruit, wrapped in decadent, seamless textures. That richness… that magic… I’ve chased it for decades. And with this 2023 Melanson, I believe I caught it. It’s pure magic in a glass.”

Those who know Russell’s style understand that he doesn’t settle—and this wine is the result of years of relentless refinement, patience, and commitment to expressing site through structure and soul.

Why Melanson Vineyard Matters

Perched high above Napa on the slopes of Pritchard Hill, Melanson Vineyard is carved into rugged volcanic rock that demands everything from the vine. It’s an environment where the growing season is stretched, tannins are honed, and fruit develops slowly and deeply.

This vineyard isn’t about ease—it’s about expression. And in the hands of a winemaker who thrives on pushing boundaries, Melanson becomes something singular: powerful yet poised, dense yet detailed, and profoundly evocative of place.

A Vintage That Brought It All Together

The 2023 growing season provided ideal conditions for mountain vineyards like Melanson. Long, moderate ripening allowed the fruit to hang just long enough to deliver intensity without sacrifice. The resulting wine bursts with blue and black fruits, floral lift, spice, and the kind of richness that doesn’t weigh down the palate but instead carries you through to a seamless, resonant finish.

It’s a wine that’s already unforgettable—and it will only deepen with time in the cellar.

A Moment of Celebration and Gratitude

This moment belongs to more than just the team behind the wine—it belongs to every collector, sommelier, and wine lover who has supported Adversity Cellars since day one. Your belief in our vision is what makes achievements like this possible.

We raise our glass to you, to the vineyard, and to the belief that adversity can create something extraordinary.

Interested in the 2023 Melanson?

The 2023 Melanson Vineyard Cabernet is a small-production wine with minimal availability. If you’re interested in securing a bottle, visit https://www.adversitycellars.com/product/2023-melanson-cabernet to order yours today.

Whether you’re adding it to your collection or saving it for a special night, this is a wine that deserves its place in your story.

Closing Words

The 2023 Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a defining wine for Adversity Cellars. It captures the soul of a vineyard, the spirit of a vintage, and the relentless drive of a winemaker who never stops reaching for something greater.

We’re honored by the recognition, grateful for the support, and excited for what lies ahead.

Drink with conviction. Live without compromise.
— Adversity Cellars