94 Points, James Suckling
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This wine was made by none other than Keith Emerson, YES that Keith, of the glorious $200+ wines he made for Vineyard 29 among others.
VINEYARDS
Grapes picked from volcanic benchland vineyards in the heart of the valley east of the Mayacamas range. Perfect growing conditions, with lingering fog and warm daytime highs develop complex fruit due to an extended ripening period.
This prolific vineyard was carefully planted for optimal sun exposure in soil composed of gravel, loam and volcanic deposits.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Classic, labor-intensive, small-lot winemaking techniques implemented.
Four-day cold-soak, hand punch downs for two weeks in open top fermenters. Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
VINTAGE
The culmination of factors from another drought year in California surprised us with a beautiful vintage. An unseasonably dry and mild winter, which led to an early spring, forced the vines into bud break during peak frost season.
A relatively warm, but even summer, resulted in early harvest dates, with lower-than-average yields with good quality.
Consulting Winemaker: Keith Emerson
Vintage: 2021
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley
Aging: Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix: 25.9
pH: 3.77
TA: 0.59 g/100ml
Alcohol: 15.1%
95 Points
Bright and vibrant on the nose with aromas of black cherry, blue berries and fresh violet flowers. Deep and dark, offering luscious balanced fruit, black tea and cloves on a medium to full body. Tannins are smooth, while the mouthwatering acidity keeps things moving.
95 Points
Aged in 50% new French oak, this wine opens up with aromas of red rose, black raspberry, and cherry cola notes that explode from the glass, with secondary components of sandalwood, cedary herb, and shaved chocolate. Black cherry flavors take center stage on the palate with notes of strawberry fruit, leather and sweet toasted baking spices on the finish.
95 Points
Cool-climate vineyard that keeps things light and layered in a bright and effusive nose. Blueberry, plum, huckleberries, black raspberries, spice, and toasted vanilla notes leap from the glass. Chewy and lush with impressive structure, finishing long with a dark fruit and a leathery note on the back palate.
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