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THE LATEST NEWS AND REPORTS

Final Round of Tastings in the Aftermath of Premiere Napa Valley +
Glasses Raised to the Late Daniel Cathiard of Cathiard Vineyard in St. Helena.

It’s the week of February 23, 2026.

The photo above was taken on February 28, 2024, during PNV week in Napa, when I often taste the new releases at Cathiard for Decanter magazine.

Daniel Cathiard, who recently passed away at age 81, is raising his glass in this photo, seated across from Florence, his wife, and Justine Labbe, the winemaker at Cathiard. Such a kind man, I loved getting to know him and his passion for all things on — and off — the vine. He will be sorely missed.

I continue my week in Napa with a few more tastings, including at Cathiard, before handing in my final verdict on the 2023 Napa Cabernets.

ICYMI: My Top 100 Wines of 2025 are here. Check it out.

Sonoma Buyers Guide: 340+ wines tasted, rated, and reviewed.

December visit to Livermore Valley: Over 40 new wines tasted in late December. Click on the image of Darcie Kent wines to see all the wines reviewed.

See all our regional coverage and Cristaldi’s work on Decanter via the quick links below.