Sold Out
2021 Enkidu ANSAR Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Enkidu ANSAR Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

ENKIDU
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
, ANSAR
Sonoma County

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast "Hidden Gem"

Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar.  The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors.  An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age.   Long and expressive with loads of flavor.  This is a classic example of perfectly balanced Cabernet with excellent fruit concentration.  Age-worthy, voluptuous, full-bodied with long plush tannins.  Wonderfully enjoyable now, this is a collector's wine, and we expect it to go 15+ years in the cellar.

VINEYARDS

Working with the Bismark and Viluko Vineyards high in the mountains of the Mayacamas range just above and to the north of Sonoma Valley.  Chosen barrels from Pine Mountain Vineyard were added further to the mountain fruit blend.  These vineyards sit high above the fog where the grapes benefit from abundant sunshine, with the cooling effect of the underlying sea breezes that rolls in during the summer months.  Perfect conditions were in line to produce Cabernet Sauvignon that were among the best in the region.

WINEMAKING

Enkidu set out to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest quality while maintaining the integrity of its origin.   After the fruit was hand harvested and destemmed, whole berries were transferred to small open top tanks to undergo a four day cold soak.  A 20% Saignée was performed early to concentrate the juice further.  Native fermentation commenced after 5 days until complete.  The lots were pressed after resting for 21 additional days.  The wines would age for 19 months in 70% specially selected new French oak.  Gentle rackings were performed with no fining.

VINTAGE

By all accounts, 2021 was an extraordinary vintage across the Sonoma appellations, yielding wines with depth, power, concentration and excellent acid retention, perfect for long-lived aging and a distinct sense of place. Marked by moderate weather, minimal heat spikes, and a long, stable weather pattern, which allowed for gradual and even ripening.  While the drought conditions of the previous years persisted, the absence of prolonged heat events resulted in a smooth harvest with naturally low yields, leading to more concentrated flavors and a powerful tannin structure in the wines.  The wines from this vintage are known for their intense aromas and flavors, with small berries resulting in high skin-to-juice ratios, which contribute to the wines powerful tannin structure.  2021 is a collector's vintage.

APPELLATION:  Sonoma County
VARIETAL:
  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
HARVEST DATES:  September 22nd - October 18th
AGING:  19 Months in 70% New French oak barrels
BOTTLING DATE:  May 9, 2023
TA:
  6.01 gms/L
pH:
  3.67
ALCOHOL:  14.2%

Tasting Notes PDF PDF


More About ENKIDU

<< previous  |  next >>

Andrew Cotti
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
Napa Valley

95 Points
Engaging and floral with its red roses, violet, and hibiscus on the nose that tease you to take a sip. Then, BOOM!  Rich dark black fruit flavors of cassis, deep blackberry, mixed berry preserves, kirsch, baking spice and subtle notes of cocoa and oak that envelop your senses.

 $110.00 
Today's Price
$59.00
2022 Andrew Cotti Mt Veeder Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

La Sirena
2018 Red Blend, Studio Series
Napa Valley

94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.

 $125.00 
Today's Price
$87.50
2018 La Sirena Studio Series Red Blend Napa Valley

Sojourn
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Home Ranch Cuvée
Sonoma Valley

93 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.

 $65.00 
Today's Price
$58.50
2022 Sojourn Home Ranch Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon

Carol Shelton
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve
Sonoma County

92 Points
Deep garnet core with aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice mingle and swirl on the nose. The palate is equally gorgeous with extremely rich cookie, walnut, plum and cassis with a long smooth creamy vanilla finish. This one is aged to perfection and ready to show off.

 $50.00 
Today's Price
$45.00
2018 Carol Shelton Rockpile Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Maroon
2019 Merlot, Napa Valley
RESERVE

Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint.  The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging.  The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.

 $66.00 
Today's Price
$39.60
2019 Maroon Reserve Napa Valley Merlot

La Sirena
2018 Syrah, Napa Valley
Barrett Vineyard, Calistoga

Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea.  Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight.  Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.

 $75.00 
Today's Price
$52.50
2018 La Sirena Barrett Vineyard Syrah Napa Valley

ENKIDU
2022 Pinot Noir, Peters Vineyard
Russian River Valley

96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass.  The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice.  Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.

 $50.00 
Today's Price
$39.99
2022 Enkidu Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir

Saddleback
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Oakville

92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice.  Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.

 $82.00 
Today's Price
$65.60
2021 Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

WineHeist.com
Inside Steals, One Every Week