NEOTEMPO
2023 Duality CABERNET FRANC RED BLEND
NEOTEMPO Duality explores the tension and harmony between two forces — Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, structure and grace, power and restraint. It is a study in contrast, an orchestration where both voices are distinct yet inseparable. We have long admired the rare, small sites capable of cultivating both varieties at a level that transcends valley floor or bench sites — places where Cabernet Sauvignon achieves depth and precision, and Cabernet Franc reveals aromatic lift and composure. NEOTEMPO Duality was born from this pursuit: to capture equilibrium through opposition, unity through contrast. The fruit originates from Oakville Ranch, a revered hillside vineyard family-owned and originally planted by one of our heroes — Ren Harris, founder of Paradigm Winery and a pioneer of organic farming in Napa Valley. His legacy of thoughtful stewardship continues to define this site, where rocky volcanic soils and dramatic elevation foster both intensity and finesse — the perfect environment for the conversation between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to unfold. NEOTEMPO Duality is sourced from the Plateau blocks, planted in 2013 by Phil Coturri. Rooted in iron-rich red volcanic soils at 1,000 feet of elevation, these vines produce fruit of remarkable purity and tension — Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and density, Cabernet Franc bringing perfume and lift. Together, they form a seamless dialogue of opposites: grounded yet ethereal, powerful yet composed. Phil Coturri and Ren Harris have both been mentors to us throughout our journey with NEOTEMPO. We dedicate this wine to their pioneering spirit — a reflection of their vision, their integrity, and their enduring belief that the land always speaks first. The Vintage & WinemakingThe 2023 NEOTEMPO Duality marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for NEOTEMPO — a natural evolution that builds upon the precision and restraint of previous releases while exploring new dimensions of place and composition. Composed of 66% Cabernet Franc and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the first blend in the NEOTEMPO collection — and a fitting debut in one of the greatest vintages of the decade. The organically farmed fruit originates from this renowned high-elevation vineyard, rooted in volcanic clay-loam soils that impart both natural body and depth to the wine. The Sensory Summary On the palate, Duality reveals opulent layers of black and blue fruit intertwined with subtle tones of dark chocolate and a hint of graphite — a seamless reflection of its mountain origins. To complement its well-defined structure, the wine was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak, selected to refine tannin texture and harmonize the fruit’s mountain-born power. Continuing our disciplined pursuit of balance, transparency, and purity, Duality captures the essence of its site with remarkable precision and poise — ushering in a new era for NEOTEMPO. |
Time and Place:
Perched at 1,000 feet in the eastern hills of Oakville, Oakville Ranch is the original mountain vineyard of the AVA — a site defined by rugged volcanic soils, steep exposures, and organic farming. In this elevated landscape, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on sun-drenched terraces with power and depth, while Cabernet Franc flourishes in the cooler upper blocks, offering aromatic lift and minerality. The 2023 season brought a long, measured growing period, with a cool spring and gentle warmth stretching into fall — allowing for slow, even ripening, exceptional phenolic development, and the expressive clarity of a wine truly rooted in its place.
Wine Making:
Guided by winemaker Tony Biagi, the team harnessed the power of mountain-grown fruit using 100% new French oak barrels to shape a wine of depth, structure, and precision. Sourced from the high-elevation blocks of Oakville Ranch, this blend unites the bold tannins and dark fruit of Cabernet Sauvignon with the lifted aromatics and minerality of Cabernet Franc. The result is a wine that balances intensity with elegance, expressing the raw strength and refined character of its mountain origins.
Decanting and Aging:
This wine drinks beautifully now especially with decanting (90 min) and will continue to evolve over the next twelve years and gracefully age for another two decades.
Serving Suggestion
This wine drinks beautifully now especially with decanting (90 minutes) and will continue to improve over the next twelve years and gracefully age for another two decades.
Our Duality label pays tribute to the century-old oak trees that stand sentinel over our estate vineyard — timeless guardians of the land and silent witnesses to Napa Valley’s evolution. The original photograph was captured just beyond the entrance to our home, where two ancient oaks reach toward one another, their branches forming a natural arch of connection and grace.
The red label evokes both the vibrant red fruit character of Cabernet Franc and the iron-rich red soils of Oakville Ranch. Deep embossing reflects the wine’s layered texture and tactile depth, while the smooth, sculptural curves of our patented hexagonal bottle embody a philosophy where tradition meets innovation. Together, these elements express a modern sense of balance, intention, and design.
Production: | 133 cases |
Composition: | 66% Cabernet Franc 34% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Place: | Oakville Ranch, Napa Valley |
Appellation of Origin: | Oakville AVA |
Winemaker: | Tony Biagi |
Aging: | 18 Months 100% New French Oak |
Alcohol: | 14.6% |
Empty Glass Bottle Weight: | 540g |
Sustainability Details: | 100% Post Consumer Recycled GlassReduce package weight per package: 30%Reduce pallets used during transport: 20% |
Hand-harvested organic Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, water, calcium carbonate (for acid balance), sulfur dioxide (for preservation), selected wine yeast.
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We have a limited number of 3-Pack boxsets of this wine with a unique crystal artwork. You can order here.
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