Review: Wines of Baldacci, Summer 2025
Baldacci Family Vineyards has been doing the thing long enough (25 years and counting) to know how to correctly run the game plan. Founded by Thomas and Brenda Baldacci, the estate carries that familiar arc of family grit turning into something long-lasting and legacy-cementing. These days, son Michael has taken the torch as head winemaker, adding that generational stamp without losing sight of what makes the place work so well. In a region where big celebrity names and overblown labels seem to dominate the discourse, Baldacci feels unassuming and grounded. It’s a winery that seems to be digging in for the long haul, whatever natural disasters or man-made economic tribulations may arrive at their visitor center.
2022 Baldacci Stags Leap Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon – This Cabernet makes quite the entrance, floral perfume in one hand and a spice box in the other, before settling into its real agenda: dark fruit, cocoa dust, cedar shavings, a touch of tobacco for gravitas. There’s even a touch of graphite, suggesting serious aging potential on one side of its mouth, while also suggesting it’s ready for drinking now on the other side. But just when you think it’s all restraint and pedigree, there’s a shift. A richer, more indulgent side takes over, with baking spice, ripe plum and cedar undertones leading the way. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity keep the whole production from going off the rails, ushering it instead into a lingering finish. It is hard not to enjoy when Cabernet flexes brains and bravado in equal measure, and this one does the job. A / $125
2023 Baldacci Elizabeth Pinot Noir Carneros – Understatement is a notion this Pinot Noir can not comprehend. It arrives in the glass bold, layered with cherry cola, roasted plum and graphite. On the palate, dark cherry and black tea notes add depth, slowly unfolding across an earthy texture. The fruit builds toward something richer on the finish, with dark chocolate and cherry tones leading the charge. It is structured with enough backbone and moxie to reward patience, especially if you open it up for an hour or so before enjoying. This is one to hold onto until cooler months. A- / $65
2022 Baldacci Fraternity Red Blend Napa Valley – This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 12% Syrah and 8% Merlot comes charging out of the gate with aromas of blackberry and dark cherry, eventually relaxing as notes of baking spice and an almost inevitable oak-tinged vanilla surface. Generous on the palate, it layers dark fruit with toasted hazelnut and milk chocolate, framed by decent tannins and acidity. Some time in the glass allows it to reveal a flashier, fruit-forward side, with ripe blackcurrant and plum cutting through. Unlike red blends that promise a good time but deliver mediocrity, this one holds its ground. It will also likely improve if allowed a lengthy slumber in your cellar. B+ / $85
2023 Baldacci Chardonnay Carneros – The fruit takes the lead at first with notes of citrus and green apple, before oak and white flowers arrive with just enough presence to feel generous but not overwhelming. Soft lemon zest and pear linger into the finish, accompanied by notes of vanilla, delivering a level of detail nudging the wine towards its clean finish. This year’s vintage strikes a comfortable balance between approachability and complexity: it’s well-balanced and suited for pairing with a decadent seafood main course, although there is absolutely zero shame in enjoying a glass on its own before or after dinner, either. B+ / $50
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