The Biggest Mistake with 2022 Cabernet

It should have been a no-brainer for Napa wineries to drop prices on a lesser vintage

Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth
With the release of Napa’s 2022 Cabernets, senior editor James Molesworth questions how many prestigious names chose to price wines from this challenging vintage. (Alina Tyulyu)

“I generally don’t wade into the price argument. But dropping prices on a lesser vintage should have been a no-brainer,” writes senior editor and lead taster for California Cabernet, James Molesworth. In his most recent column, Molesworth looks into the challenging 2022 vintage in Napa and other appellations, the different paths vintners have taken to weather the storm and why he thinks many of them made a wrong decision. Get his thoughts here!

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 450,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Wine Lovers Win on Science, Lose on Noise

Wine Lovers Win on Science, Lose on Noise

When research shows balanced, moderate wine consumption can be healthy, anti-alcohol …

Oct 8, 2025
The Last Grape

The Last Grape

The Rhône’s often overlooked Muscardin grape is gaining attention in California

Oct 15, 2025
Wines from 130-Year-Old Vines

Wines from 130-Year-Old Vines

Tasting a vertical of Williams Selyem Zinfandels from centennial vines

Oct 31, 2025
Soul Food

Soul Food

Enjoying Santiago chef Rodolfo Guzman’s evocative Chilean cuisine

Oct 31, 2025
Remembering The Father of Wine Country Cuisine

Remembering The Father of Wine Country Cuisine

In Sonoma and Mendocino kitchens and through his writing, chef John Ash helped teach …

Aug 20, 2025
Frescobaldi in Oregon

Frescobaldi in Oregon

Lamberto Frescobaldi finds his place in America with Willamette Valley’s Domaine Roy

Sep 30, 2025