Napa Valley, CA — January 2026 — Empress Court is proud to announce that its 2023 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded a Silver Medal at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest and most closely followed wine competition in North America.

The 2026 competition evaluated more than 5,500 wines submitted by over 1,100 wineries from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Judged blind by a panel of 52 esteemed wine professionals from media, trade, winemaking, education, and hospitality, each medal-winning wine earned approval from at least three judges in a highly competitive field.

Empress Court’s 2023 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon competed in the highest red category — arguably the competition’s most demanding tier. Earning a Silver Medal in this category underscores the wine’s quality, balance, and distinction among premium North American Cabernets.

“Receiving a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is a meaningful achievement, particularly in a category defined by exceptional wines and rigorous judging,” said Margaret Wong, proprietor at Empress Court. “We’re honored to have our 2023 Estate Cabernet recognized on this stage.”

Often described as the world’s largest and most complex evaluation of North American wines, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is widely respected for both its scale and the caliber of its judging. The competition not only highlights excellence across large and boutique wineries, but also serves as a key discovery platform for wine lovers seeking standout bottles across varietals and price points.

The 2023 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon reflects Empress Court’s commitment to estate-driven winemaking in Napa Valley, offering classic depth, structure, and a clear expression of place.  These vines are wrapped by Soscol Creek, just off the valley floor, featuring a dramatic fractured rock terrain.  The estate sits at the southeastern mouth of Napa Valley, right between the renowned Coombsville and Los Carneros AVAs, it looks over the San Pablo Bay straight at the Golden Gate and the Pacific Ocean. The rocky soil and western exposure drives ripening, but the temperate climate maintains freshness and acidity. This unique corner of Napa presents beautiful Pinot Noir and Cabernet, depending on the microclimate, resulting in a variety of wines with depth, character and zest!