2021 Cathiard Vineyard

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate's top wine, is dark and mysterious to the core. Black cherry, mocha, plum, new leather, incense and dried herbs all build in grand style, supported by beams of tannin that give the wine energy and shape. This is such an impressive showing, especially considering that these barrel samples were not in the best shape when I tasted them.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2023)

Lastly, the flagship is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate on the western side of the Valley. A darker, more structured wine, it has beautiful purity in its ripe black fruits, roasted herbs, tobacco, and chocolaty aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated, and incredibly structured and inward on the palate, this riveting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is going to require at least 7-8 years of bottle age to show its full potential. (05/2024)

The single-varietal 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, from a section of the vineyard at 1,200 feet elevation and the oldest vines, is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs plenty of swirling to unlock slowly unfurling scents of blackcurrant jelly, ripe plums, and black cherries followed by hints of tar, licorice, black truffle, and lilacs plus fragrant suggestions of fertile loam and iris bulb. The full-bodied palate is super intense, with beautifully ripe grainy tannins and seamless freshness framing the densely laden black fruits, finishing long and perfumed. A breathtaking expression of the vintage and this beautiful little corner of Napa Valley! 8,000 bottles were made. (05/2024)

This is a ripe, polished version, offering a steady beam of cassis and blackberry fruit laced with anise, apple wood and iron notes that stretch out nicely on the finish. The toasty frame is in balance with the fruit, which shows tension and cut through the finish. Best from 2026 through 2040. 750 cases made.

- J.M.