93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - James Suckling
97 Points - 2021 Napa Cabernet Vintage Report, Wine Spectator
Grapes for this gem were meticulously handpicked from Napa Valley, aged in 70% new French oak barrels for 16 months. The result is a harmoniously intricate flavor profile that exudes sophistication.
The wine's finish is impressively long, offering immediate enjoyment while harboring the potential for graceful aging over the next 10-15 years.
Pairings include: slow-roasted prime rib, bone-in pork chop, duck confit, earthy cheese, chocolate truffle, even a fine cigar by the fireplace.
Napa Valley
The grapes to produce these wine gems are carefully sourced from small sub-districts throughout the Napa Valley (including Oakville and the Stags Leap District) that surround some of the most rewarded wineries In the region.
In addition to sourcing grapes from some of the iconic regions in Napa Valley, Dolum has its own single vineyard that produces wine from a low-yielding 40+ year-old vineyard just off Oakville crossroad.
Vintage
2021 turned out to be a near-perfect vintage. Wine Spectator described this vintage as ripe, vivid and fresh and rated the 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage as exceptional, awarding it 97 points, and worthy of holding. The growing season had moderate weather, with foggy mornings and warm, sunny days, leading to a balanced, ripe, and well-structured harvest that is considered by many to be one of the best in years. Fresh, vibrant and powerfully fruited wines, showing precision, floral lift and a sense of place, offering a bounty of high-quality bottles with excellent drinking potential. The wines from this vintage will slowly unfurl over what will be an exceptionally long window, each stage revealing new dimensions and features.
Winemaker
Chad Alexander is the mind behind these iconic wines. He's been at it over a quarter century, helping put some of the most coveted wineries like Robert Craig and Hess Collection on the map. With unparalleled attention to detail, Chad ensures that every element contributes to the ultimate expression of his wines. His pursuit of perfection allows his wines to rival and even surpass the some of the very best in the Napa Valley.
VINTAGE: 2021
VARIETAL: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
VINEYARDS: Oakville and the Stags Leap District
AGING: 16 months in 100% French Oak (70% new)
pH: 3.67
ALCOHOL: 14.7%
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
