Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2023
Full-bodied Red · NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), a private label brand likely associated with The Prisoner Wine Company / Constellation Brands or a high-volume négociant model that sources premium surplus fruit from prestigious estates.
Vintage: 2023. A cooler, later growing season for California compared to recent years, which generally resulted in elegant wines with vibrant acidity and lower alcohol levels than hot drought years.
Type
Full-bodied Red
Producer
NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), a private label brand likely associated with The Prisoner Wine Company / Constellation Brands or a high-volume négociant model that sources premium surplus fruit from prestigious estates.
Country
United States. California is the primary wine producer of the US, operating under the AVA (American Viticultural Area) system which focuses on geographic origin rather than strict production styles.
Vintage
2023. A cooler, later growing season for California compared to recent years, which generally resulted in elegant wines with vibrant acidity and lower alcohol levels than hot drought years.
Region & Appellation
Livermore Valley AVA, California. This is one of California's oldest wine regions, known for its gravelly soils and pioneer history in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon. Typical of Livermore Valley, this expression often features dark fruit, structured tannins, and a characteristic herbal or 'dusty' mineral undertone.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby to almost opaque purple. The 14% alcohol and high extraction suggest slow-moving legs and a concentrated visual profile.
Aroma Profile
Lush primary aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis, with secondary notes of cedar, vanilla, and cocoa powder from significant oak aging.
Tasting Notes
Bold attack of dark fruit jam, transitioning into a structured mid-palate of dried herbs and espresso. The finish is lengthy with lingering toasted oak notes and firm, polished tannins.
Flavor Profile
Layers of black plum, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and a distinct graphite minerality. The fruit is ripe but balanced by savory spice.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a rich, velvety mouthfeel. The wine has high concentration and a dense, mouth-coating texture.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity provides just enough lift, while the tannins are high but refined (Reserve style), indicative of both the grape variety and barrel maturation.
Sweetness Level
Dry, though the ripeness of California fruit can often impart a perceived sweetness (fruit-forwardness) despite low residual sugar.
Alcohol Content
14% By Vol. This is standard for California Cabernet, providing warmth and body without being overly 'hot' on the palate.
Aging & Oak
Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The 'Reserve' designation implies longer aging or a selection of the best-performing barrels.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye steak, rosemary-braised lamb shanks, aged cheddar cheese, or hearty portobello mushroom burgers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F (15-18°C). Decant for 45-60 minutes to allow the oak and tannins to soften. Use a large-bowl Bordeaux glass.
Price Range
Typically $20 - $35. It is positioned as a high-value 'mystery' wine that offers the quality of more expensive labels at a fraction of the cost.
Quality Assessment
88-91 points. A high-quality commercial premium wine that offers excellent concentration and regional Typicity.
Production Methods
Standard red wine vinification with temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel for integrated texture.
Terroir
Livermore Valley's unique east-west orientation allows coastal breezes to cool the vineyards, while gravel-rich soils offer excellent drainage for stressed, flavorful vines.
History & Heritage
The 'NDA' brand plays on the industry practice of wineries selling surplus high-end wine under secondary labels to protect the market price of their primary luxury brands.
Interesting Facts
The label art features circuit-board patterns, a nod to the Silicon Valley/San Francisco proximity of the Livermore Valley wine region.
Cellaring Potential
Drink now through 2030. While approachable now, its structure allows for 5-7 years of positive development in a cellar.
Similar Wines
The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon, Orin Swift Palermo, Daou Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon, and Wente Charles Wetmore Cabernet.