Description
Winemaking: After the grapes were destemmed and crushed, we fermented the must in stainless steel tanks until dry. We then pressed the skins and gently transferred the freshly fermented wine to 60-gallon oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 18 months of aging. Prior to bottling, we blended several varieties with the Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity and plushness to the mid palate. This also added plenty of finesse to the lingering finish and enhanced the flavor and aroma profile of this beautiful wine.
Vintage: The 2021 season was joyous and welcomed after the challenges of previous vintages, producing exceptionally high-quality fruit, some of the best in recent years. Rain early in the year was followed by almost no notable precipitation for the rest of the season, providing an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring. Bud break occurred early in April, followed by flowering and bloom in May. The summer saw early and even ripening throughout the valley, with veraison in early July. Low yields, due in part to drought conditions, created fruit that is intensely flavored and smaller in berry size. Capping one of the earliest harvests overall, the red grapes were picked at the end of August. The season resulted in wines of fantastic character, with amazing color extraction, aromatic intensity, balance, and structure, that are equally lush and fruity. A tremendous year to taste the nuances and terroir distinction from around the valley.
Vineyard: We sourced the majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Rutherford, Calistoga, and St. Helena appellations. The diverse soils and microclimates, as well as the various clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and cultivation techniques, contributed to this wine’s complex flavor profile. The balance of the blend was grown both in our estate vineyards and other fine quality vineyards in Napa Valley.
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh, buoyant, and aromatic, offering lovely red berry fruits on the nose, supported by a lifted floral potpourri character and secondary aromas of stony minerality, crushed earth, and graphite. The palate is lithe and mouth pleasing with a supple texture that provides juicy black currant, cassis, black cherry, and blackberry compote notes alongside savory notes of chaparral sagebrush, dark chocolate, and cedar spice. Incredibly approachable upon release, this Cabernet is medium bodied with fine-grained, polished tannins that give freshness and vivacity with a poised structure, leading to a long and satisfying finish.
Varietals: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah, 4% Charbono, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Touriga Nacional
