2023 Picayune Cellars Padlock Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley 750 ml

When we first discovered Picayune’s Padlock Proprietary Red, we had to fight off the likes of Gramercy Tavern and The French Laundry for our allocation. Every year since, we’ve had to muscle out others for a bigger and bigger share—which can never quite keep up with the Picayune fan base!

This edition comes from the epic 2023 vintage, a year that The Wine Independent called a “Once in a Lifetime” vintage—“the mood surrounding 2023 was euphoric” at harvest, in the words of Vinous.  This fulfills all the promise of the year—it’s a sensation that has graced the lists at Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, and an all-time favorite at Wine Access. 

Padlock’s quality-to-price ratio is thanks to vintner Claire Weinkauf, whose résumé is as diverse as it is impressive. After earning a wine degree in Chile and working harvests in Saint-Émilion, she met 100-point winemaker Paul Hobbs, who hired her at the renowned Viña Cobos in Argentina and at his eponymous California winery. 

With Picayune, she called on her formidable network to secure some of the most coveted grapes in Napa for this bold red blend. In fact, the name “Padlock” refers to the hush-hush sources of Picayune’s first-rate grapes, which Weinkauf keeps shrouded in secrecy to preserve the wine’s impressive value. Thanks to her myriad connections and an extraordinary and bountiful vintage, she had no problem finding the exquisite Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon that make up the 2023 Padlock.

The wine displays a nimble balance of ripeness and restraint. Bing cherry and plum dominate the aromatics, accented by lilac, violet, dark chocolate, and a hint of black pepper. The dark-fruited palate is lush and powerful, balanced by a touch of acidity and a layer of silky tannins. 

Aged 15 months in French oak (20% of it new), this wine is kissed by Napa sunshine but structured like a Bordelaise red. It’s both accessible and contemplative—a seductive bottle we find ourselves reaching for again and again without a second thought. You will too.