2021 "Coeur de Vallée"

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée is a powerful, brooding wine. In most vintages, the Cœur de Vallée is an extrovert, but that is not at all the case in 2021. Blackberry jam, espresso, licorice, cloves and cedar emerge with air, but only with great reluctance. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2021 is an infant.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2023)

Coming from Oakville and just about all Clone 4, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur De Vallee is a screaming good effort displaying a rich, full-bodied, layered, and powerful style that somehow manages to stay flawlessly balanced and elegant. Jammy currants, dark chocolate, tobacco, black olive, and lead pencil shavings all define this remarkable 2021, which is deep purple-hued and has ripe, polished tannins and flawlessly integrated fruit, oak, tannins, and acidity. It deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and should hit full maturity a decade after the vintage. It will keep for 30+ years. (12/2023)

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee, with 5% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little swirling, the nose erupts with scents of boysenberry preserves and blackcurrant jelly leading to nuances of wild sage, violets, and underbrush plus a hint of tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate has wonderful freshness, with firm, plush tannins and bags of black fruit and mineral layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note. (02/2024)