Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 30% new American oak for up to 16 months. A snapshot of California from vintners Joel and Sarah Gott, the grapes are sourced from select sites in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Lake County, Mendocino, Lodi, and Central Coast appellations. Sampled in mid-October 2024, the 2021 vintage is a youthful, easy-drinking Cabernet, perfect for weeknight consumption. Alluring blackberry, sandalwood, and ripe blackcurrant notes intermix with dried rose petals and mulling spices. Medium-bodied with intriguing cola spices, blackcurrant jam, a hint of white mocha, and a spine of zippy acidity, bracketed by fine tannins and a chalky mineral finish. It delivers a satisfyingly dry finish with just 1.7 g/L of residual sugar and a pH of 3.73. Joel Gott Wines was founded in 1996 by Joel and Sarah Gott. The '815' Cabernet is their flagship wine, named after their daughter’s birthday (15th August).  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 92

James Suckling writes:  Blackcurrants, black and green olives, rosemary and some crushed walnuts on the nose. Fresh and refined, with a medium to full body and fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 90

James Molesworth writes: Ripe, fresh and polished, this delivers unencumbered red and black cherry fruit notes laced with a tickle of tobacco, all backed by a just firm enough finish to keep this balanced and engaging. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.

Winemaker Description

This alluring Cabernet Sauvignon draws you in with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry and sweet baking spices. On the palate, silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture frame the voluptuous dark berry flavors, with notions of barrel spice adding nuance and complexity to the long, lush finish.

67Wine.com Review

Surprise, Surprise!  This is as tasty as any Cabernet you can buy for $15, that’s for sure!  We had it with roast chicken, smashed potatoes,  buttered string beans and it just worked.  This is a medium-bodied Cab; its dark plum and cherry fruit flavors are upfront, mouth-filling and leave a mouth cleansing fruit aftertaste.  Another of our buyer Oscar’s really great deals.  - Dorothy & Bernie Follow the Drinker®
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67Wine Petit Somm Series® showcases original artwork inspired by our city. Our Cabernet Sauvignon has ruby red color with bright red highlights. Plum and raspberry on the nose with a hint of cacao. Pleasant and lively on the palate, medium-bodied with nice soft tannins. This wine can be a great companion for grilled steak.
-Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67 Wine

Winemaker Description

Santa Cristina Rosso 2022 is ruby red with violet hues. Fruity and floral aromas dominate the nose with notes of cherries, mixed berries and violets that meet hints of vanilla, cocoa, and coffee and aromas of green peppers and boxwood typical of Cabernet. The palate is mouth filling, supple with a pleasant fruity aftertaste. 

Antinori’s introduction to their red wines.  A perfect pasta, pizza, chicken, red wine.  Medium bodied, fruit forward, softer styled red that leaves you wanting another glass.

Winemaker Description

Bright with a deep ruby core that lightens at the rim of the glass, with moderately thick, slow forming tears. Aromatic with ripe black cherry, red berries and blackcurrant fruit with spice notes of vanilla and cinnamon with fresh sage, subtle dried rose petal, and toasted oak. Nearly full-bodied with red plum, ripe bing cherry, and blackberry on entry with savory dried herbs, baking spice and toasted oak on the midpalate supported with balanced, fine tannins. The complex finish shows sustained ripe fruit and spice mixed with dried flower and camphor elements.

The 2020 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably balanced and complex, with a fresh palate that not only invites another sip on its own, but also pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Try this wine with grilled chicken or burgers at your next cookout or with a classic filet mignon at your favorite steakhouse.

Winemaker Description

The Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet boasts flavors of black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon spice. It has a round mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. A food-friendly wine, it pairs beautifully with a grilled rib-eye steak, roasted vegetables, or aged cheddar.

Expert Rating - Vintage 2021 

Tom R. Capo of the Wine Enthusiast writes 86 Points | This wine has a bit of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde vibe. The nose is charming, showcasing aromas of dark chocolate, candied raspberries, soy sauce and black pepper. The palate is another matter entirely, displaying monstrous tannic force that really needs some time to settle down. 

Winemaker Description 

Our Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine we made. This is the wine that started it all, setting the exacting standards that we hold ourselves to for all of our varietals. Round and juicy, our Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.

We love pairing this wine with well-seasoned meats like beef, pork, or lamb, and indulgent chocolate desserts.

Winemaker Description

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel. There are ample tannins carrying the fruit to the long lingering finish. Aging for 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels created notes of baking spices, nutmeg and hints of caramel.

This versatile wine pairs well with a variety of foods like rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter, roasted eggplant with provolone cheese and dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | For $11, this California Cab packs bags of flavor. Find notes of black cherry, plum and currant, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, crushed violets and toasted wood alongside mouthcoating tannins and modest acidity. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 93 Points | I like the savory iodine and bark notes here overlaid with black berry fruit, nutmeg and bay leaves. It’s juicy and supple with a medium to full body, silky tannins and soft, salty finish. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Dark cherries, dried mint and tobacco peep through the cracks of this polished, rather reticent wine from Australia’s west. It’s tightly wound with textured tannins and a nice lift of acidity. Flavor gets a little lost in all the power, but it should evolve nicely over the next several years. (Best Buy)

Winemaker Description

Lovely dark fruit aromas waft from the glass with notes of spice and eucalyptus. Blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry flavors are accentuated by hints of vanilla, espresso and baker’s chocolate. The finish is round and supple. 

Winemaker Description

This wine is rich, ripe, and focused with flavors of sweet black currant and juicy blackberry intermingled with hints of shaved chocolate and tobacco. Delicious flavors framed by toasty oak and silky tannins, meld together throughout the wine’s lingering finish.

Expert Reviews  - Vintage 2022

James Suckling writes |  A fruit-driven, creamy and mellow cabernet sauvignon with cassis, baked cherries and blossoms. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins and texture. Deliciously fruity finish. Drink now.  - James Suckling 90

Wine Enthusiast | Approachable and mouthwatering, this generous wine delivers flavors of black fruits layered with musk and oak spices. Supple tannins are carried by bright acidity into a long finish. Elaine Chukan Brown 89 Points

Winemaker Description

The 2020 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and dark at the core. Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from our extensive barrel aging program. Big, juicy red-fruit flavors infuse the palate while softly textured tannins lead to a long, gratifying finish.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020 

92 Points Tasting Panel | Thanks to their certified sustainable properties in five of Paso Robles' 11 sub-AVAs, the folks at J. Lohr are able to produce a super high-quality Cab at this price point. With 9% Petite Sirah plus some Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a deep purple hue that enhances the immediate rush of blueberry in a stream of silky tannins. Spiced black tea takes heather, fennel, hazelnut, and vanilla bean on a long ride toward the finish.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast |  For about a million cases, this is a reliable stud of a wine. Deep, dark blackberry and light wood aromas on the nose lead into berry jam, wood spice and caramel flavors, with amplified tannins promising at least a few years of freshness.  Editors' Choice

Winemaker Description

This bold style Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity and structure. Slight pepper, round body, dried cherry, silky vanilla, concentrated with a long velvet finish.

Pair with - Blue Cheese, Dark Chocolate and Grilled or Roasted Duck, Beef or Veal. 

Winemaker Description

This tried-and-true Cabernet has been a dinner table staple for more than 40 years. A rich ruby hue fills the glass along with aromas of fresh vanilla, lush red fruit and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, bright cherry notes mingle with warm cocoa and sweet oak. The finish is unbelievably smooth with soft, gorgeous tannins. 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Tasting Panel 96 Points: Since its founding in 1972, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has produced just one red wine in every single vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to meticulous craftsmanship, the 2019 embodies the standard set for this world-class red. Its sleek mouth- feel is dotted with white-peppered black raspberry, balsamic, and Italian herbs as well as illustrious, glossy tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points: Excellent concentration and a classic flavor profile of black cherries, black olives and toasted oak give good reasons to buy and enjoy this Sonoma County icon. Firmly structured with fine-grained tannis and equally generous in black fruits, the wine is well-balanced and trim in body.

Winemaker Notes:

The 2019 vintage hits all the right notes. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and blackberry, making this a vintage that will age for years to come. A fitting release to commemorate Maggie’s first vintage as head winemaker. Intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite and blackberry interlace with a lovely violet floral note. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and boysenberry that are all beautifully interwoven with silky tannins from the French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and delicate acidity evolve beautifully in the glass and linger on the palate.

The dark fruit flavors, silky palate and beautiful structure make it a decadent
wine for food pairing. This wine’s elegance, acidity and spice notes complement
grilled or roasted dishes, such as coq au vin, lamb ragu or roasted salmon with
miso. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon’s earthiness even complements vegetarian
dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto and ratatouille.

Winemaker Description

The McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet is dark garnet in color with juicy flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Most of the fruit for the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Lodi AVA, with the remainder coming from sustainable vineyards within the Valley. They generally harvest the Cabernet in late September. After 7-9 days of fermentation on the skins, the resulting wine is pressed and finishes fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged on new and used French and American oak for 4-6 months.

Winemaker Description

This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has vibrant notes of blackberry fruit, hints of vanilla and oak, and a lingering finish.

Winemaker Description

Bonanza calls back to a simpler time – Chuck Wagner recalls fondly how his family enjoyed his dad’s homemade wine with their nightly dinner. His vision is that delicious Cabernet should be accessible to a broad group of people. Chuck wants everyone to have the chance to enjoy good wine as a simple pleasure of everyday life.

Tasting Notes:

Bonanza Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 is a bold and delicious red wine that embodies the spirit of the Wild West. With its deep ruby color and rich aromas, this wine is a true testament to the adventurous spirit of the American frontier. It reflects the “bonanza” of the great state of California – and bonanza calls back to the discovery of land where delicious Cabernet can be farmed. Medium ruby-red, this wine opens with scents of currants and dried roses, grape pomace, and fresh tilled soil.

The nose is filled with ripe blackberry and black currant, along with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture and silky tannins that make it easy to drink.

Winemaker Description

Dark garnet red in color, the 2021 Grounded Cabernet Sauvignon leads with warm aromas of ripe black cherry, espresso, vanilla, and clove. The well-structured palate displays a round, luxurious mouthfeel and notes of cedar, forest floor, clove, and anise that extend through the generous finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Tonya Pitts of the Wine Enthusiast write 92 Points | This wine is deep, with aromas of cassis, black raspberry, cardamom, dried potpourri and mulled spices on the nose. The flavors on the palate are black strawberry, blueberry preserve and black tea leaves woven with lemon zest, black peppercorn and a long finish. Decant and pair with braised beef cheeks crusted with whole-grain mustard.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, complex and layered wine with heady aromas of black plum, Zante currant, frankincense and sage. Trailing scents of blackberry, cardamom and espresso bean reveal accents of vanilla, saddle leather and cinnamon toast. On the palate, fine-grained tannins provide structure and support for rich flavors of black cherry, raspberry and mulberry, while secondary layers offer black olive, sandalwood and dark chocolate. A velvety texture finishes with lingering impressions of chocolate-covered cherry, dried herbs and toasty oak.

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, iris, vanilla and clove. Ruby in color, this elegant wine has great acidity and lift on the mid-palate. Black currant and warm baking spices linger with a deep and fruity finish. It will provide drinking pleasure through 2047 given proper cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Jonathan Cristaldi of Decanter Magazine, 95 Points: Aged in 50% new and 50% second-use American Oak from the Duncan family's The Oak cooperage in Higbee, Missouri. Matt Duncan joined me for my tasting, and he says the Petit Verdot in the blend, of which there is 0.4%, is co-fermented with the Cabernet Sauvignon, intended to bring focus to the Cabernet fruit. A compelling, brooding, muscular rendition of Cabernet from Alexander Valley with gorgeous boysenberry notes, black currants, and rose petals laced with vanillin notes and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with black currants, ripe blackberry and black cherry notes framed by velvety tannins laced with that irresistible vanillin note. Toasty oak spices lend a hint of sweetness, balanced by grippy acidity. Long and complex, revealing umami, garrigue, and crushed slatestone on the finish. It's a terrific wine from the Alexander Valley.  Drinking 2023 to 2035.

James Suckling, 94 Points: Handsome and classic for a Sonoma County cabernet, this full-bodied, approachable wine offers abundant aromas of black cherries, toasted oak and tobacco backed by gorgeous black cherries and black olive flavors on moderate tannins. It’s 95% cabernet sauvignon. Best through 2034. 

Alder Yarrow  of JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 Points: Smells of sweet black cherry and cola. Flavours of black cherry, cola and hints of mocha have a nice bright juiciness thanks to excellent acidity. Powdery tannins coat the mouth and stiffen slightly with time. The oak is very well integrated here, making its presence felt in the gradually more muscular tannins and a scent of woodiness in the finish.  Drinking 2024 to 2034.

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points: The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley includes tiny splashes of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot was aged for 24 months in 50% new American oak and the rest in second-use barrels. The 2019 is the current release, as the estate likes to hold back their wines until they are ready to drink. It offers notes of toasted oak, preserved red plum, forest floor, a hint of coconut, and vanilla. Full-bodied, it has a rounded, creamy texture with a coating feel, sweet tannins, and its oak profile lasting through the ripe finish. It is going to show its best over the coming several years.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Producer Description 

Hillside vineyards are special. So is the wine that is crafted from them. French oak beautifully transforms intense mountain fruit into a wine with uncommon richness and a smooth and luxurious texture. Rich aromas of black currant, cherry, and cassis with hints of vanilla and cedar. 

Winemaker Description

Our Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of cherries, berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast. Flavors of berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker follow with a toasty caramel finish.

This medium-bodied wine pairs deliciously with grilled meats and tomato-based pasta dishes.

Winemaker Description 

To create this Cabernet Sauvignon, Oberon sourced grapes from throughout Napa's finest winegrowing regions, including Oakville, Oak Knoll, Yountville, Suscol Ridge, Chiles Valley, Pope Valley and Capell Valley.

By layering fruit from Napa's sparse volcanic soils and the deeper alluvial soils of the valley floor, Oberon accomplished their goal of marrying many different expressions into one outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon that boasts a beautifully seamless mouthfeel and rich, complex texture and flavors.

Expert Reviews 

Amy Wislocki of Decanter writes | South Africa's first female black winemaker (her first vintage was 2014), Ntsiki Biyela named her Aslina label after her grandmother. Biyela grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and spent a year as a domestic worker before being offered a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999. She has worked harvests in Bordeaux and Tuscany, and her winemaking philosophy draws on this experience. This accomplished Cabernet contains 15% Petit Verdot, and underwent fermentation in stainless steel before ageing in used oak barrels for 14 months. It's a charming, harmonious wine, with fresh, fragrant black fruits, well-integrated oak and a hint of menthol. Super enjoyable now but will also develop over the next five or so years.  —  Amy Wislocki

Jancis Robinson 16.5 Points | Made by South Africa’s first female Black winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela, who started her Aslina label, named after her inspirational grandmother, with the 2014 vintage. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, harvested March 2020. Fermentation in stainless-steel tank and aged 14 months in used oak barrels. RS 3.5 g/l, TA 3.81 g/l, pH 3.6.

Julia Harding MW | Deep crimson. Pure, intense, minty, very slightly leafy, and blackcurrant. Benchmark South African Cabernet. Polished but true Cabernet tannins, deep but not heavy. Highly drinkable and finishes clean and fresh.

Winemaker Description 

Deep rich ruby. Aromas of blackberry cobbler, ripe and dark mixed berries, graham cracker, brown sugar, vanilla, milk chocolate, toasty oak, with notes of coffee and smoke. On the palate, ripe blackberry cobbler, blueberry pie, pralines, sweet vanilla custard, brown sugar, caramel, mocha with hints of coffee. Ripe, dense and soft chewy tannins with toasty oak round the wine out with a lush, long, and lingering finish.

A superb accompaniment to bourbon glazed ribs, charcuterie board, hearty pasta dishes, and strong cheeses. 

Winemaker Description 

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon Red South Africa 2020 offers a bold and full-bodied experience with intense flavors of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and subtle hints of vanilla. With smooth tannins and a lingering finish, this wine pairs well with grilled meats and hearty dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  The appellation 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is another winner. Ripe red and black fruits, dried flowers, and spice all define the bouquet, and it’s up-front, soft, balanced, and just delicious. Drink bottles over the coming decade.  Drinking 2023 to 2033.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Joe Czerwiński writes:  The winery's largest bottling, approximately 38,000 cases, is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. Primarily from the Hardester Ranch in Pope Valley, with other major contributions from St. Helena, Soda Canyon and Glass Mountain, it's a medium to full-bodied effort, with bold flavors of cherries, cassis and cedar. It's easy, but not soft, nicely firm, with a long, silky-textured finish.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Molesworth writes:  Leads with a light cedar edge, followed quickly by relatively open-knit red currant and damson plum fruit flavors. Shows a light savory edge on the finish. Drink now through 2030.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Description

Features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite. 

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Boastful ripe aromas of Mirabelle plums, raspberry, and nuances of sweet anise and toffee on the nose. This Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with blended flavors of blackberry jam, chocolate, and ripe Bing cherries. Aged in French oak, vanilla and toasted hazelnut notes complement the velvety tannins, bringing a rich, voluptuous mid-palate that extends out into a silky finish.

Expert Rating

James Suckling 94 Points | Expressive and lush nose of creamy berries, dark cherries, vanilla, cassis and sweet oak spices. Full body with fine, creamy tannins. Rich and full of generous creamy berries and an equally demonstrative and dense finish with excellent length. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. Elegant and full bodied with rich notes of black stone fruit, boysenberry, nutmeg and a kiss of oak bring distinction to Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon.

Enjoy this wine at room temperature with grilled steak, lamb chops or pasta with red sauce.

This wine is Kosher for Passover

Winemaker Description

Cabernet's classic aromas and flavors star in the 2021 Faust Napa Valley. Delicate violet notes lift the dark fruit on the nose—black currant and briary blackberry—layered with pungent forest botanicals, leafy tobacco, graphite, and toasted spice. The velvet of fine-textured tannins backs expressive red fruit flavors on a complex palate, both sweet and savory with mocha and minerality, juicy ripe fruit and freshness.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 95 Points | Inviting aromas of ripe blackcurrants and blackberries as well as crushed walnuts, cedar and bark. Full-bodied, creamy and structured with firm, polished tannins. Balanced and even with a lingering finish.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Packed and broad in feel, with a ganache note draped over black currant, blackberry and steeped cherry. Licorice root and alder smoke flavors check in on the finish as the fruit pumps through, ending with a flash of violet. Hard to resist now, but this has some development ahead.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Hefty and grippy, this full-bodied wine is sturdy in tannins, deep in black and blue fruits, and will come around nicely with more aging. Blackberries, blueberries, cocoa and hints of oak char make a good, complex expression on the palate.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is terrific, as well as a terrific value. Cassis, ripe blackberries, tobacco, and some chocolate oak notes all flow to a medium-bodied, supple, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with terrific purity as well as balance.

Robert Parker 91 Points | There are an impressive 50,000 cases of Faust's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Featuring upfront notes of Ribena-like cassis fruit accented by hints of cedar and vanilla, it's a full-bodied, generous effort that is softly dusty, plush and easy to drink now, but it has enough tannin to hold for at least another decade. It's a solid value.

Expert Reviews

Dorothy & Bernie of 67Wine.com | We visited the Mendel winery on one of our first visits to Mendoza about 18 years ago.  The winery was introduced to us by our friend Paulo Costa, who was then President of Novartis Pharmaceuticals.  Mendel Winery was started by a well known Buenos Aires pharmaceutical family with Roberto de la Mota, known as one of Argentina’s greatest wine makers. The Mendels began the winery with the intent of making great wines that were more refined than what was found in Mendoza.  We fell in love with their Cabernet which was powerful, yet not overwhelming.  We still find it one of the best, most accessible and harmonious Cabernets made in Mendoza.   Dorothy & Bernie “Follow the Drinker”

James Suckling 94 Points | Notes of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, walnuts and dark chocolate. Medium-to full-bodied with robust, polished tannins and bright acidity. Dense and creamy texture, together with bright, delicious fruit, ending with a spicy edge and notes of crushed stones. Try now, but better after 2023.