Monte Xanic 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, Valle De Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico

The Monte Xanic 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah doesn’t flood the palate—it settles in, dense yet poised. On breathing, its nose opens to fresh blueberries and black cherries, brushed by violet and tender lilac—floral nuance found in nighttime air.

Sip by sip, it deepens: cassis embers meet gentle balsamic undercurrents, while vanilla and black licorice echo behind. Toasted oak adds warmth but never overwhelms. Beneath the fruit, crystalline acidity and a shadow of mineral chalk keep the mid-palate alive, not plush.

This wine is rooted in place—the Valle de Guadalupe, with its granite, clay, and decomposed sandstone soils, plus desert heat tempered by Pacific air. This blend (around 80% Cab, 20% Syrah) sees fruit from vineyards like Ole and Ojos Negros, a blend of altitude, soil, and sun—all under the guidance of Oscar Gaona, who brings a deft touch of Mexico, not mimicry of Napa.

Monte Xanic has been a pioneer—the first boutique label in Mexico. Their Calixa line, where this blend sits, is known for high aromatic clarity, fresh structure, and easy liveliness. Yet there’s thoughtfulness here: lifted aromas, layered coherence, and a wine that feels alive in narrative, not nostalgic.

This isn’t a wine trying to prove itself—it offers presence by understanding where it comes from. 2023 Monte Xanic Cabernet-Syrah: Baja’s depth distilled with clarity.