“What a gorgeous and vivid wine this is.” – Vinous

100%! John Schwartz swings for the fences with his efforts. Whether it’s recreating Pomerol in Napa via Amuse Bouche, surmounting Atlas Peak via Au Sommet, or replicating top shelf CdP as he does with this cult-y “Cali-Rhône.” Just as Owen Bargreen confirms, “when wineries are in the hands of top-notch growers and winemakers, glorious things can ensue. Such is the case with PharoahMoans….”

All his wines are fit for a king. Or… a Pharaoh. When Wine Advocate wrote that “this vintage of PharoahMoans is particularly noteworthy for its perfumed complexity and reasonable price” they meant the $75-100 range - not the for the masses $45 today - with TRIPLE-94-points nonetheless!

You might know PharoahMoans from their nearly 20-year reign, making some high-scoring red Rhônes from Paso. John brought Guillaume Fabre into the fold to make these wines. Leaning on his experience at L’Aventure, Clos Solène, and Bonum, he delivered year after year… if you seek a Saxum or SQN-like experience without the huge price, these were your best bet.

But like Thutmose III expanding his reign, PharaohMoans left their home base of Paso and sought land far north, in Napa. With that, Guillaume Fabre handed the magic wand over to Kent Jarman, whom we know well from the likes of Coup de Foudre, Sommras, and Kenefick Ranch.

The bets sure paid off as this is “the best vintage of this wine this taster has sampled.” A “super value,” and a “gorgeous and vivid” wine that “rockets out of the glass.” Just like the previous Paso-bred efforts, the evolved Napa versions scored HUGE with the critics and fans alike.

The aromatics are, let’s just say, effusive. They leap from the glass like a genie liberated from a thousand years of captivity. Purple-red fruit soars, with figs, dates, and kirschy goodness, plus allspice, clove, and star anise wafting into your nose. The equal parts blend of Grenache and Syrah pulls no punches, with a wallop of red raspberry and cherry, mission fig, with roasted herbs, lavender, and violet, all wrapped in warm, toasty oak. Silky smooth with a commanding finish that’d make Ramesses jealous, it’s an absolute pleasure-packed sensory experience.

If you like unapologetically rich and complex reds, you owe it to yourself to try at least a few. You won’t be sad - unless you don’t get enough.

94 Points – Wine Advocate “These wines are made by Kent Jarman and commercialized by John Schwartz. Sold largely through a tasting room in downtown Napa and via a mailing list, these wines are somewhat are under the radar despite their fine quality. The punny names may make one groan, but this vintage of PharoahMoans is particularly noteworthy for its perfumed complexity and reasonable price. The 2023 PharoahMoans Red Wine is a 50-50 blend of Carneros Grenache and Pope Valley Syrah, but despite omitting Mouvèdre, it is the best vintage of this wine this taster has sampled. Pretty florals - violets and roses - join tea-like, potpourri-ish nuances and berry fruit in this medium-to full-bodied wine. Lively, fresh, and complex, the palate is framed by silky tannins and displays ample length on the finish. It’s a super value, as long as you’re not hung up on Bordeaux varieties or fancy mid-valley AVAs. Drink 2025-2033.”

94 Points – Vinous “The 2023 Red Wine is a fabulous Grenache/Syrah blend. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, dried herbs, lavender, and mocha are all beautifully dialed up. Floral overtones add striking finesse and lift. What a gorgeous and vivid wine this is. Drink 2025-2033.”

94 Points – James Suckling “This Rhône-style blend is unusual in Napa Valley and gives dark, earthy, savory flavors on a firm texture. Full-bodied, moderately tannic and restrained in fruit flavors, instead emphasizing singed herb, oak smoke, star anise and espresso flavors. Drink now or hold.””

93 Points – The Wine Palate “The 2023 PharaohMoans is deep garnet-purple in color, a blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. It rockets out of the glass with bold notes of black cherries, red currants, and juicy plums, with hints of red licorice, black pepper, wood smoke, and roses. The full-bodied palate is chewy. lively, and jam-packed with spicy black fruit layers, finishing long and peppery. Drink 2026-2040.”