94 Points - Wine Enthusiast "Hidden Gem"
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%
Temperature Control Shipping
All Central, Midwest & Eastern orders ship via temp control truck.
94 Points
Blueberry, currant and sweet spice on the nose, with satiny layers of marionberry, and fresh macerated blackberries, surrounding a core of leather, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and tobacco. Medium to full bodied, it's polished and creamy with nice weight on the mid palate.
94 Points
Rich and full-bodied and graced with elegant structure. Nuanced flavors of blackberries and ripe cherries that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving. A subtle waft of roasted coffee beans and lightly toasted almonds entwine with raspberry in a luxurious finish.
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
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.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
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.
Luxurious & Delicious...
Aromas of rich cherry, black currant, dark plums, with hints of lightly toasted vanilla, mint and crushed slate. The concentrated flavors further integrate with blackberries, tobacco, anise and earthiness with a balanced oak profile, layered palette, leaving you with its delightful finish.
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.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
93 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. Its rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish.
92 Points
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Highly Recommended
Aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. The palate opens with a dense and lush tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, and a long flavorful vanilla finish.
92 Points
Rich, bold & spicy. Deep garnet colored in the glass. The nose gives loads of blackberry, plum, fresh raspberry and peppery aromas, while the palate delivers juicy berry compote, cassis, caramel and black pepper flavors before a rich, tannic finish. Four to five years in the cellar will round this out nicely.
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