A Napa Favorite Returns at an Unbelievable Price

2022 Heir Apparent Napa Valley Proprietary Red, $29.99 (Elsewhere $100)

94 points The Wine Independent: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2022 Proprietary Red waltzes out with showy notes of kirsch, wild blueberries, and fresh plums, plus suggestions of lilacs, fragrant soil, and cinnamon stick. The full-bodied palate is plush and plump with bags of juicy red and blue fruit flavors and a lively lift on the finish. (LPB)" (02/2025)

K&L Notes: A powerful Bordeaux inspired blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot sourced from top vineyards in Rutherford and Calistoga. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak (60% new).

Mariah Mier | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2025

Savory bay leaf on the nose dances with blueberries and winter spice and vanilla on the palate. Although mostly cabernet sauvignon, the unmistakably earthy cabernet franc and plush merlot come through clearly on this velvety red. The unique character of this bold, layered wine stands out among Napa blends.

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 24, 2025

A slightly dusty nose that's filled with gobs of fresh and dried cherries, fleshy plum skin, and ripe blackberries. Behind the fruit there's a cedary floral note mixed with white flowers and the lightest whispered suggestion of an olive coming softly from the next room. The palate is fresh and incredibly approachable, with enough tannin to make it food friendly, but not so much that you couldn't just go for it if you wanted a rich and tasty Bordeaux-style blend to sip on while you cooked or watched your neighbor's kids. This has a lot going on for a Napa red at this price point, and a couple bottles are definitely going home with me. We've got a good amount of this wine for now, but wine of this pedigree at this price probably won't last too long. Better to be safe than sorry and get a couple bottles for the holidays, this is the kind of wine you want to open up for friends and family - good enough to be impressive but reasonably priced enough you don't wince while you grab a wine opener for the third bottle of the night.