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%
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
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