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%
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of fresh black currants, kirsch, and mulberries... Full-bodied, the palate delivers a firm line of grainy tannins with bold freshness to frame the muscular black fruit, finishing long and cedary.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
97 Points
Black cherry, cassis, and oak envelope your senses. Showcases a luscious, ripe essence of blackberry and black cherry, artfully complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and spice on the palate. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
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.
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.
