#89 - Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2025
This ripe and generous Cabernet leans into the variety's fruitier side, with bright cherry, raspberry and chocolate aromas on the nose. The palate feels supple with silky tannins, zippy acidity and flavors of cassis, tobacco and black pepper lingering.
Blend: 87 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot.
 
Sourced from several vineyards in Alexander Valley, this wine reflects the region’s diverse terroir, with elevations ranging from 134 to 2,200 feet and soils composed of gravel, clay, and loam. The Mediterranean climate, marked by cool, wet winters and dry, warm summers, creates ideal conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2023 growing season began with a wet winter, followed by a mild, wet spring that supported successful bud break and flowering. A long, dry summer with consistent temperatures, free from extreme heat spikes, allowed for gradual phenolic ripeness, ultimately delaying harvest. The slightly cooler conditions contributed to fresh, vibrant flavor development. Vinification involved warm fermentation with two weeks on the skins, followed by a light press and pump-overs. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks using inoculated yeast. Aging was carried out in a combination of stainless steel and French oak, preserving the wine’s purity while adding structure and complexity.
 
Broadbent Selections: 
Importer + producer: Broadbent Selections is a fine-wine-and-spirits importer focused on family-owned producers and responsible viticulture, founded in 1996.
They also make their own labels: Beyond importing, Broadbent Selections produces Madeira/Port/Portuguese wines under “Broadbent,” and also makes California bottlings including Architect (Alexander Valley) and Auctioneer (Napa Valley) (plus a newer North Coast Cabernet).
Architect’s “why”: Broadbent frames Architect as a tribute to Michael Broadbent (Master of Wine), tying the brand to his early training in architecture and the idea of wines being “constructed.”
Winemaker: Mike Rayner
Current role: Mike Rayner is listed as Head Winemaker at Navigator Wine Collection & Architect.
Background: He grew up near Sonoma, studied at UC Davis, started at Domaine Chandon (traditional-method sparkling), and held roles at Carneros Creek Winery, Havens Wine Cellars, Newton Vineyard, Draxton Wines, and served as Head Winemaker for Cameron Hughes Wine.