{"title":"2016 and 2021 Napa Cabs for Eric Rumptz","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"blackbirdcontrarianred16-w","title":"Blackbird \"Contrarian\" Proprietary Red 2016 (Napa Valley, California) - [W\u0026S 94] [WA 93+] [VM 93] [JS 93] [JD 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlackbird Vineyards is one of the newer \"Cult\" wine superstars of Napa, making use of a superb vineyard in Yountville plus two superstar winemakers of Napa Valley and Bordeaux, Aaron Pott and Sarah Gott. Former and current employers for these stellar winemakers include Joseph Phelps, Newton, Quintessa, Fisher, Seven Stones, Château Troplong Mondot, Premier Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion and Château La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery conscious of the benefits of blending, Blackbird aims for a Pomerol style of wine, using distinct combinations of grapes for each of their four proprietary blends; the three higher-priced wines all have far more birds depicted on the label than Arise, the entry-level variation on the theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eContrarian is crafted by passion and instinct. This textured blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon possesses both an aromatic richness and subtle tannin profile. It exudes an elegance Blackbird Vineyards' wines are known for, while displaying the regal posture that comes from superior Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine to indulge in now and for decades to come, Contrarian's uniquely supple structure flouts convention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlend: \u003c\/b\u003e64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAging\/Cooperage: \u003c\/b\u003e21 months in French oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Bold and expressive with aromas of black cherry, fresh cracked pepper, and bay leaves, Contrarian is sure to impress. Notes of black currant, blackberry, salted caramel, and sweet herbs are complimented by intrepid tannins that carry through to a long, lingering finish. This wine is stunning now and will continue to develop with time in the cellar.\" - Winemaker, Aaron Pott\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine \u0026amp; Spirits:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Though Blackbird’s original wine was a merlotfocused blend, current winemaker Aaron Pott takes Contrarian in a savory, less voluptuous direction. The wine is grounded by cabernet sauvignon, with a contribution from Ballard Vineyard on Spring Mountain that lends it stature and breed, as well as mineral-inflected tannins that carry the smokiness of rock striking rock. The wine’s blackberry juiciness and black-olive savor gain depth and detail with air, the flavors glimmering like cool water in a well. It has an old-fashioned sense of Napa Valley, before the wines got fancy. Decant it for Mediterranean lamb.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e93+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Blended of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Contrarian Proprietary Red reveals notes of crushed black and red currants, black cherries and red plums with touches of red roses, black tea, tilled soil and tobacco. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers intense red and black fruit layers with plenty of earthy sparks and a grainy frame, finishing long and refreshing. 1,580 cases were made.\" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Oct 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e93+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Starting with the 2016 Contrarian Proprietary Red Wine, this deep purple-colored effort checks in as 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Merlot. It offers plenty of classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon flair in its blue fruits, graphite, licorice, and mineral-laced aromas and flavors. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, has a straight, focused style, terrific purity, and building tannins. It's going to require 4-6 years of bottle age and will drink nicely for 15+ years or more.\" (Jan 2019)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2016 Contrarian is a bold, powerful wine. Beams of Cabernet tannin give the 2016 its shape and overall feel. Sage, lavender, menthol, licorice, spice and leather add shades of nuance. Potent and also structured, the 2016 needs time in bottle to shed some of its tannin. Contrarian is Blackbird's Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine.\" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A juicy and rich red with lots of fruit and polished yet fine tannins. Medium to full body and tight, focused fruit. Delicious now. Why wait? A blend of 64 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 29 per cent cabernet franc and seven per cent merlot.\" (Oct 2018)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":37463032070303,"sku":"BLBCON14C (6PK)","price":128.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/BLACKBIRD_CONTRARIAN_PROPRIETARYRED.jpg?v=1624401882"},{"product_id":"philip-togni-estate-spring-mountain-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-napa-valley-california","title":"Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2021 (Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, California) - [DM 100] [VM 99, 2024 Wine of the Year] [WA 98+] [WI 97+] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are few winemakers still living with the kind of history that Philip Togni has under his belt. Long before his eponymous winery was even conceived, he was crafting some of the most iconic wines in California. After a year at Mayacamas (1959), he became the founding winemaker for Chalone, worked at Inglenook for a year, became the founding winemaker for Chappellet (producing the acclaimed 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon that is still regarded as one of the greatest ever produced in California), and finally at finished out the 1970’s at Cuvaison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1981, while still employed at Cuvaison, Philip began planting his own vineyard on Spring Mountain and it is here that he has cemented his legacy. Starting with the 1983 vintage he has produced an unbroken string of world class wines; age-worthy, classic, and incredible. Although Philip is still very involved, since 2007, his daughter Lisa has taken the lead more and more. The good news is that she shares her father’s gift for winemaking and shows no interest in changing anything at this venerable estate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Estate vineyard at Togni is 10.5 acres (divided into 20 blocks) planted to 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vines are co-planted and the wine is co-fermented. The soils are a mix of rocky volcanic and clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom this single vineyard Philip and Lisa produce three wines: the flagship Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a second label Cabernet Sauvignon, Tanbark Hill, and a rare dessert wine, Ca’ Togni. The Cabernet Sauvignons are made using barrel selection and are otherwise handled exactly the same. All fruit is 100% destemmed, fermented in stainless steel and aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. At this point the decision is made of which lots are blended into the “Estate Cabernet” and the “Tanbark Hill”. The Ca’ Togni is a wine unique to Napa, made from Black Hamburgh, Togni’s quarter acre of vines produce an aromatic, concentrated, sweet red wine unlike anything else we have come across. A true estate, the wines are made, bottled, and stored just feet away from the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilip Togni Vineyard Cabernet is a very ageworthy Margaux-type blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyard and winery are at 2000 feet elevation near the top of Spring Mountain in the western hills of the Napa Valley.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"pipProdMakerNote\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProdMakerNote_copy\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eForty years ago, we made our first wine from our vineyard near the top of Spring Mountain.  The 1983 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is still a vibrant confirmation of the merits of our soil and microclimate.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eNow we are happy to offer our 2021 Cabernet. After the disappointment of not releasing wines from 2020 because of smoke taint, and after the very real challenges of recovering from the Glass fire which burned some of our land, we’re pleased to be able to offer the excellent 2021, a wine made very much in the tradition of our past wines - elegant, food friendly and very long lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eBlend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTasted with Lisa and Philip Togni in their winery atop Spring Mountain in February of 2024. An absolutely riveting Cabernet showing a deep ruby-purple colour. Gorgeously fragrant at the cork's pull with terrific violets and loads of black currants and dark dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with chiselled, precise tannins that build and build on the palate. At this early stage, the wine is full of ripe blackberry and black currant fruits that harbour impressive clarity of flavours, growing even more expressive with beautiful sagebrush nuances. Philipp Togni remarked that this vintage reminds him of St. Julien. Indeed, it is incredibly aromatic, elegant, and structured, and it is also a complete and seamless wine. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon is joined by 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet France, and 1% Petit Verdot. - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e99 Points, Rank #1 Top 100 Wines of 2024 - Vinous:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is an outrageously beautiful wine and also one of the wines of the year. A soaring, exotic bouquet makes a strong opening statement. Pliant and creamy, with mind-blowing textural finesse, the 2021 dazzles from start to finish. Hard candy, mint, lavender, Kirsch and spice linger on the close. The 2021 possesses mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse.\" Drink 2031-2051. - Antonio Galloni (December 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"Possibly the best wine produced here since the terrific 2001 or 1991, Togni's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes across as rather cool and fresh, with gentle grace notes of mountain sage lending nuance to the predominantly red-berried fruit, tinged with cassis, mint and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and firm, with silky tannins and refreshing acids providing ample structure and amplifying the lingering, elegant finish. 2027-2050.\" -JC (7\/3\/24)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97+ Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 15% Merlot and traces of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of blackcurrant jelly, juicy black plums, and wild blueberries followed by hints of crushed rocks, cardamom, licorice, and tar plus a fragrant touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with black fruit and mineral layers, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with loads of ferrous and earthy sparks. Drink 2027-2050.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDensely packed and reserved in style, offering a tightly coiled core of red and black currant fruit wrapped in a sheath of iron and backed by savory, menthol, rose petal and iris notes. The seriously grippy finish shows taut but fine-grained tannins working in unison alongside fresh acidity. Will need considerable time to unfurl, rewarding those with patience and a love of this mountain-hewn, old-school style. Best from 2029 through 2045. 1,020 cases made.\" - James Molesworth (April 2024)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GRANDES PLACES SELECTIONS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":45254351519903,"sku":"","price":228.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/togni2021_129019bd-1e8c-43ef-9e58-032b7c476c42.png?v=1776298300"},{"product_id":"castiel-estate-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-howell-mountain-napa-valley-california","title":"Castiel Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [JD 99] [TWI 97+]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInspired by Dave and Kathleen’s desire to capture time and place, Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration among nature, patient and caring human hands, and artistic excellence. It speaks clearly of its unique and extraordinary location upon Howell Mountain. It is masterfully brought to life by the talented and renowned winemaker, Celia Welch, whose deep knowledge and understanding of expressing terroir allows each vintage to showcase its unique qualities while maintaining the consistency of Howell Mountain characteristics.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSince the first vintage in 2014, attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. At the winery, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen with intent by manual and sophisticated optical sorting methods. During fermentation, the wine is left on the skins until complete, and then pressed and transferred to French oak barrels to age for 18 to 22 months. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine structured around the backbone of minerality, concentrated fruit, powerful richness and integrated tannins, the hallmark qualities of a Howell Mountain cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 Castiel Cabernet comes entirely from the steep, higher elevation slopes of Howell Mountain AVA, which is perched on the eastern edge of Napa Valley. These vineyards see cooler summertime high temperatures, and slightly temperatures during autumn nights than the valley floor, which leads to a longer hang-time with slightly higher acidity. Over the course of an entire growing season, the small daily differences become profoundly manifested in the flavor and structure of the resulting wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree clones of Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 13 and 24, \u003cbr\u003e2021. Each lot was vinified individually and kept separate in barrels until after the first year in oak. The wines were blended, then returned to their barrels for an additional eight months prior to bottling in May 2023. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppellation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Howell Mountain, Napa Valley\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; clones 15 and 191\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel Ageing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 months in 70% new French Oak\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pumiceous and flow tuff and andesite rock\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e 332 cases\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Another masterpiece from the talents of Celia Welch, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain comes from a site on Howell Mountain and spent 20 months in new French oak. It's a full-bodied, concentrated, powerful Mountain Cabernet revealing ample smoked black fruits, notes of graphite, tobacco, spicy wood, and bouquet garni, a dense, layered mid-palate, building tannins, and a gorgeous overall profile that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age. It will unquestionably have two decades or more of prime drinking. Drink 2023 - 2043.\" (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97+ Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon slowly unfurls to reveal evocative scents of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, candied violets, and licorice, followed by hints of mossy tree bark, tar, and cardamom. The full-bodied palate is exquisitely crafted with very fine, grainy tannins and well-knit freshness supporting the tightly wound black fruit and earthy layers, finishing with great length. Drink 2027-2052.\" - LPB (Jun 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KIMBERLY JONES SELECTIONS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":45378239758495,"sku":"","price":178.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/castiel_58924e76-6088-4645-83f2-108ff29436f3.png?v=1716161069"},{"product_id":"robert-craig-cabernet-sauvignon-howell-mountain-2021-napa-valley-california","title":"Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [VM 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a passion for Napa Valley Mountain Cabernet, Bob Craig founded his eponymous winery in 1990 on Howell Mountain with three friends from business school. In 2004, CEO Elton Slone joined the winery and became a full partner in 2007. Following Bob’s retirement and departure from the wine business in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards, Robert Craig Winery consistently garners high scores and positive accolades from the wine press.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerroir: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine comes primarily from the 9.5-acre Winery Estate Vineyard, with the addition of old vine lots from Candlestick Ridge Vineyard. Both vineyards sit at 2300 feet along the summit ridge. The Howell Mountain AVA begins at 1400 feet and includes vineyards that sit above the inversion layer and fog line.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes from the Winemaker: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur Howell Mountain 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is finally emerging from its shell as it prepares to journey to our members homes in the coming weeks. The vibrant, primary mass of dark fruits in the nose and mouth have pulled back to reveal the class and nuance that make this wine one of the Napa Valley’s very best reds each year. Crushed red rocks, dark thorny vine fruits, cassis and mountain wildflowers all pour from the glass. It’s hard to believe that this is the same wine I tasted six months ago. The minuscule yields of nearly one ton per acre on our Howell Mountain Estate and Candlestick Ridge vineyards led to historic skin-to-juice ratios that provided wines of exceptional color and depth, even by Howell Mountain standards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCurrents of lavender, cedar and rich plum run through the bouquet. \u003cbr\u003eOn the palate, energy abounds, and tannins are ripe, round, and lovely, providing the scaffolding for copious black berry, dark plum and cassis flavors which are ultimately finely structured with depth, density and length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Information:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComposition: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot\u003cbr\u003eMaturation: 18 months in 80% new French oak \u003cbr\u003eProduction: 1176 cases\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is another fabulous wine in this range. Inky dark fruit, lavender, wild flowers, jasmine, spice, crème de cassis and pencil shavings are all beautifully delineated. This deep, potent Howell Mountain Cabernet delivers the goods.\u003c\/span\u003e\" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RNDC (Young's Market)","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":51651777724781,"sku":"","price":109.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/xd2xflyukouqfwea491a.png?v=1730410973"},{"product_id":"smith-madrone-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-napa-valley-spring-mountain-california-dm-96","title":"Smith Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Napa Valley, Spring Mountain, California) - [DM 97] [WRO 97] [WE 97] [JS 94] [WA 93+] [OB 93] [IWR 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmith-Madrone Vineyards \u0026amp; Winery is situated above Napa Valley on the eastern side of the Mayacamas Mountains in the Spring Mountain District. Stuart Smith and his brother Charles are the proprietors of Smith-Madrone; Stuart founded Smith-Madrone and a year later Charles joined as winemaker. Together, they built the winery using rock and lumber from the property. That was more than 50 years ago. Today they are doing the same thing they have been doing for fifty-plus years — making wine they enjoy drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll wines made entirely from the winery's dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. There are numerous historical sights on the ranch, as well as the huge array of natural beauty and wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Note: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine opens with a luxurious yummy blue-black\/red fruit aroma, which manages to be floral and peppery, bright and lively, fetching and intriguing all at once. On the palate the wine is packed with fruit. While medium weight the wine has a creamy lush mid-palate that is surprisingly full-bodied and mouth filling. Pleasantly grippy at the finish, this wine is built for the long run but as it stands now would be the perfect accompaniment for steak night. Our Spring Mountain pedigree insures deliciously integrated tannins and a long life-span. For fifty years our wines have been sourced from the same vineyards, pruned, cultivated and harvested in the same manner, creating artisanal wines which are distinctive and complex. Our goal is to produce wines which bring pleasure to all the senses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppellation: Napa Valley\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSub-Appellation: Spring Mountain District\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarming: Non-till, estate-grown, sustainably farmed mountain vineyard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarietal content : 81.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.7% Cabernet Franc, 0.4% Merlot Time in oak: 18 months in 65% new French oak\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH: 3.56 Total acidity: 6.3 g\/l\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlcohol: 14.3% Cases produced: 1,652 cases\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinemakers \u0026amp; Winegrowers: Charles Smith, François Bugué, Stuart Smith\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"From brothers Stu and Charlie Smith comes their 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain, a precise blend of 81.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.7% Cabernet Franc, and 0.4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 18 months in 65% new French oak, with only 1,652 cases produced, this wine showcases the meticulous dry farming of their 15.4-hectare vineyard at a 579-metre elevation, with vines dating back to 1971. The 2021 vintage is yet another testament to their mastery, offering a purity and elegance that define these Cabernets, with impeccable structure for long-term cellaring. In 2021, the tannins are firm, soaring, built like sky-scrapers, yet remarkably well-integrated. The nose offers a beautiful black cherry and red currant potpourri, mingling with pressed wildflowers, sage, capsicum, and tobacco leaf. Juicy plum fruit intertwines with a graphite minerality, and while there’s notable density to the fruit, a fine backbone of crunchy acidity imparts a stunning lightness and lift. Readers seeking Napa Cabernets from the 2021 vintage with serious cellaring potential should consider stocking up on Smith Madrone's offerings, as these '21s are true cellar-worthy gems. (Drink between 2026-2046)\" - Jonathan Cristaldi (Oct 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points, Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. An impossible find for the price, enjoy now for palate cleansing structure, or continue to age for deeper pleasure. — Elaine Chukan Brown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Review Online:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is a wine that I will leave open on the counter and revisit over the next four to five days, expecting it to continue to open wider and wider on each successive day. Winemaker Charles Smith brings his fifty plus years of experience with Spring Mountain fruit to bear here, and he clearly opts for letting a long haul type of vintage be exactly that. It is classic in every sense, and as it has always been, it is a crazy value. Though you could go in early, I definitely recommend laying this down. If you save birth year wines to celebrate a child’s or grandchild’s achievements twenty plus years up the road, this is just the sort of thing you are looking for. You won’t find another Napa Cabernet of this quality for this price. Contains approximately 18% Cabernet Franc and a dash of Petit Verdot.\" (Dec 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"A staunch defender of the restrained, elegant style of Napa reds made in the 1970s, yet with a little more body and ripeness than wines from that era. Tasty, tangy black cherries and blackberries with accents of bay leaves, black olives, cedar and star anise. Firm tannins, good acidity and the potential for aging. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.\" – Jim Gordon (Dec 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"Marked on the nose by subtle herb and floral notes, the cherry-scented 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied in the mouth, framed by firm tannins that promise a long evolution. Thankfully, the tannins are ripe and silky on the finish, where that dusty quality is joined by attractive hints of licorice. It's a classic Spring Mountain Cab, capable of 20 years of cellaring.\" – Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Owen Bargreen:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The outstanding 2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant, well-structured new wine that is built to age. Once on the nose this takes on anise and milk chocolate tones with wet stone, fresh thyme and shades of black currant cordial that all meld in the glass. The palate is refined and poised with a great core of black fruit flavors. Generous and delicious now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040 (Jan 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - International Wine Review:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"Dark red. Spicy bouquet with black raspberry, cassis, tobacco and a touch of cedar. Excellent depth of fresh fruit flavor and firm acidity on a mouth filling palate. Lovely long finish with round tannins. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc aged 18 months in 65% new French oak. pH 3.56, 14.3% alc. This is a youthful wine so decanting is recommended; aging a couple of years in cellar is also a good idea.\" (Dec 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA WINE MARKETING","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":51766987096429,"sku":"","price":59.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/bottle-bg-2021cab.jpg?v=1737748460"},{"product_id":"dana-estates-vaso-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-napa-valley-california","title":"VASO Cellars (DANA) Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [JS 96] [DM 94] [JD 94] [VM 92] [WA 92]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Producer:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"item_reference col-md-3\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDana Estates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a wine producer of\u003cspan\u003e Napa Valley,\u003c\/span\u003e located at the foot of the Mayacamas mountain range. It produces a range of premium single-vineyard wines, mostly from Cabernet Sauvignon with a small inclusion of Sauvignon Blanc. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"article-collapse heading-sm collapse show\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are three single vineyards spread across the Rutherford and Howell Mountain AVAs. The Helms Vineyard, in Rutherford, is planted solely to\u003cspan\u003e Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/span\u003e, and is planted on gentle slopes with well-draining, gravelly loam soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Howell Mountain, the Lotus and Hershey vineyards have slightly cooler climates and are both planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter with a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the winery, grapes are fermented in either in concrete tanks, oak uprights or small barrels subject to the character of each vineyard plot. Dana's red wines are all aged in French oak barrels, mostly new, for up to two years depending on the vintage. The Sauvignon Blanc is also aged in barrel, although the percentage of new oak is much less.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the single vineyard wines, Dana Estates also produces a\u003cspan\u003e Bordeaux blend \u003c\/span\u003eof mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of\u003cspan\u003e Merlot \u003c\/span\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e Petit Verdot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eVASO Cellars’ flagship red wine brings together grapes from sustainably farmed vineyards that prioritize organic, biodynamic, and fish-friendly practices. We ferment using natural yeasts and a variety of fermentation vessels to encourage each lot to reach its full potential. Blending all of these unique elements together, we create a vibrant and complex wine with supple tannins and a perfect balance of rich fruit, minerality and freshness. Thanks to its dynamic energy and harmonious structure, this wine will age well for a decade or more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVINTAGE\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 season started off with a dry, cold winter season. We experience a return to drought conditions with only a quarter of the normal winter season rain. The cool spring pushed budbreak into the middle of April. Warm sunny weather finally arrived at the end of April and continued into May allowing the vine growth to steadily progress. The dry conditions gave us balanced vines by limiting shoot growth and setting a small crop. The rest of the growing season gave us perfect weather with only a few days over 100 degrees F. Ripening progressed steadily and uniformly. The small crop, dry weather, and abundant sunny days set things up for an early start to harvest. The dry, low yielding vintage produced wines with great intensity of flavor, energy, and balanced tannins. A stunning vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHARVEST\u003cbr\u003eThe Cabernet Sauvignon harvest was early and completed over four weeks; from the first week of September through the first week in October. The cooler than average nights kept acidity high. Moderate sunny days, and a small crop, allowed ripening to progress at a steady pace. Our first pick was at our warmest vineyard site on September 7th. About a week later we harvested the Merlot and Malbec from our Howell Mountain vineyard. The rest of the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked in an orderly but un-hurried fashion through the end of the first week in October. This early finish to the harvest was fortunate as the end of October was the wettest recorded. The grape berries were small, with moderately thick skins, and bright acidity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMETHOD\u003cbr\u003eThe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were hand harvested and sorted before destemming. After, we used a combination of optical and hand sorting of the berries before gravity filling the fermentation tanks. We used various fermentation vessels including oak upright, concrete, and stainless-steel tanks, as well as single barrel fermentations. After undergoing natural fermentation, the free run juice is drained directly off skins to barrel for native malolactic fermentation and aging until blending in early Spring. After blending and racking the wines age undisturbed until bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHeady aromatics of Bing cherry, fresh flowers, plum fruit, and baking spices. Energetic \u0026amp; precise with minerality, red currant and bright red and blue fruit acidity, which fill the mouth. Lengthy and elegant, soft enveloping texture.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings and Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eA juicy red with currant, earth, spice and walnut. Very juicy. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and an earthy, crushed stone and flavorful finish. Really excellent. Crunchy. Needs time. 10% new wood. Best after 2028.\"  (Nov 2023)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Always a great value, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso might be the best yet. Coming from a mix of sites, it has a full-bodied, fleshy, layered profile as well as quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon notes of ripe black and blue fruits, graphite, spicy oak, and leafy herbs. This broad, concentrated, ripe, seamless beauty has the class to drink nicely today yet evolve gracefully for 15 years if well stored. (Drink between 2025-2040).\"  (Jan 2025)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Decanter:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This wine is very characteristic of the 2021 vintage, offering inky dark fruit layered with pronounced graphite notes and dark cocoa nuances. Ultra-fine-grained tannins integrate beautifully across the palate, supporting a dense core with loamy-earth character, while a satiny, silky texture carries through to a long, polished finish. VASO is DANA Estates’ most approachable wine and an expression of the vintage across Napa Valley. Notable vineyard sources include Red Hen, Sleeping Lady, Kenefick Ranch, Wine Map, and sites on Atlas Peak, with the Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Hershey Vineyard. 2026-2040.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso is gorgeous. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit and spice are all beautifully lifted. This mid-weight, nuanced Cabernet is all class. Best of all, the 2021 will be a joy to drink young. A burst of sweet red fruit and blood orange lingers on the vibrant finish. Lovely. (Drink between 2023-2031).\" - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Originally developed as a destination for young vines and just sold in South Korea, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso now incorporates non-estate fruit (since 2018), adding sources from Atlas Peak, Calistoga and Saint Helena to the blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% each Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Made in a combination of stainless steel, concrete and wooden vats, there are more than 4,000 cases of this well-priced offering. It's a bit less concentrated than the Onda or the single-vineyard wines, but it remains a nicely textured, medium to full-bodied offering that boasts ample cherry fruit, attractive mint shadings and an elegant, lingering finish. 2024-2035.\"\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":52921792627053,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/oyqqd2r9amzupypmic81_91931727-226a-4df9-bc24-beb001f86c2c.jpg?v=1777879466"},{"product_id":"arietta-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-napa-valley-california-jd-97-vm-95-wa-94-js-94","title":"Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [JD 97] [VM 95+] [WA 94] [JS 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eArietta, an ultra-premium Napa winery specializing in limited production Bordeaux-style blends, is owned by wine specialist and auctioneer Fritz Hatton and Caren Frutig Hatton. One of America’s most celebrated winemakers, Andy Erickson, crafts the Arietta wines from carefully chosen blocks in the cooler climates of Napa Valley. The Arietta wine portfolio currently consists of five red wines — H Block Hudson Vineyards, Merlot Hudson Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Quartet, and Variation One — and one White Wine, On The White Keys.\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArietta Cabernet Sauvignon was first produced in the 2003 vintage. Since 2007 the core of the wine has been a 1.6 acre block of Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon in Coombsville, a small vale just east of the town of Napa. Planted by viticulturist Mike Wolf in 1999 and still under his management, the vineyard incorporating the Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon block is recognized as one of the finest, if not the finest site for this varietal in Coombsville. The soil is primarily volcanic, and the Arietta block has a southwestern exposure which is the most favored in this relatively cool climate. The grapes require longer than typical hang time (often until mid-October), and develop great depth of flavor without exceeding 25.5 brix. Depending on the vintage we occasionally add small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, or Merlot to the wine.  Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon is raised in 75-80% new French oak for twenty months before bottling the second July after harvest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2021 Arietta Cabernet is at once dark and bright:  there is a remarkable black-purple hue to the wine, and yet also a lively, complex perfume. Notes of black fruits, sandalwood, dark chocolate and thyme give the wine a multi-dimensional tone.  On the palate, the wine is dense but accessible.\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003cbr\u003eFruit Sources: Meteor Vineyard, Coombsville\u003cbr\u003eVine Age: 23 years\u003cbr\u003eElevage: 20 months in French Oak Barrels, 75% new\u003cbr\u003eProduction: 250 cases\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 13pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The star of the show is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a stunningly pure, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from two vineyards in the Coombsville appellation. Reminding me of a great vintage of Château Mouton Rothschild with its broad, expansive texture, this inky-hued beauty has tons of ripe black fruits, notes of leafy herbs, tobacco, and cedar pencil, ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and one heck of a great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years if you can, and it will drink brilliantly over the following 15-20 years. (Drink between 2027-2047)\"  (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with inky black fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, incense and scorched earth. This potent, explosive Cabernet is super-impressive. Even with all its natural intensity, the 2021 remains quite refined. All this needs is time to soften. (Drink between 2025-2039). - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon charges out with notes of ripe blackcurrants, fresh blackberries, and dark chocolate giving way to hints of mossy tree bark, black olives, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate has fantastic tension and a firm, grainy texture framing the crunchy black berry flavors, finishing long and lively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eTextural and well-balanced with dark cherries, cassis, warm herbs, roasted meat, bay leaves and some baking aromas on the nose. Medium to full body with sinewy tannins. Compact and chewy at this stage with a juicy core of dark berries at the finish. 100% cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2026.\"  (Sep 2023)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Sourced from the Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville and made under the watchful eye of Andy Erickson, Arietta's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon starts with gentle herbal notes, adds masses of cassis and black cherries, then hints of vanilla and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated yet silky, soft, smooth and elegant—not a huge blockbuster, but it's charming and harmonious, with a wash of softly dusty tannins on the finish.\" - Joe Czerwinski (Jan 2024)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SPRINGBOARD","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":53031247380845,"sku":null,"price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/2021-arietta-cabernet-sauvignon_sm-copy-1682533143705_1.avif?v=1781634686"},{"product_id":"shafer-one-point-five-cabernet-sauvignon-2021-stags-leap-district-napa-valley-california-we-96-jd-96-twi-95-vm-94-ws-94-js-94-wa-93","title":"Shafer \"One Point Five\" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California) - [WE 96] [JD 96] [TWI 95] [VM 94] [WS 94] [JS 94] [WA 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes from the Winemaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne Point Five celebrates lasting bonds, taking its name from the term “a generation and a half,” once coined by John and Doug Shafer to describe\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003etheir long, accomplished father-and-son partnership. These two worked side by side for decades leading our Stags Leap District winery, always with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ea spirit of energy and teamwork that continues to inspire everything we do at Shafer today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“The 2021 One Point Five is distinguished by lush, intense aromas and flavors of black cherry, crème de cassis, black plum right from the tree, lavender, and savory herbs. This classic Cabernet Sauvignon displays equal measures of richness and balance while the wine’s seamlessly integrated tannins offer the kind of structure that promises decades of beauty to come.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e— Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVineyard Locations: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShafer’s hillside estate, Borderline vineyard located in Stags Leap District, and vineyard sites in Napa Valley’s in the southern foothills\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCooperage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e20 months in 100% new French oak barrels (Allier \u0026amp; Troncais)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e15.3%\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Verdot, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This sophisticated and concentrated wine wraps lovely dark plums, blueberries and cocoa flavors in velvety tannins that are well-integrated and soothing, while still setting the wine up for a potentially long life. Subtle baking spices, espresso and cedar accents enhance the impressive fruit flavors. Best from 2027–2037.” – Jim Gordon (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“More Cabernet-dominated, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five checks in as 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot, and a splash of Malbec. It has incredible purity in its cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and camphor on the nose and a concentrated, medium to full-bodied, layered style on the palate that stays tighter and more compact than the TD-9.” (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 One Point Five needs a little coaxing to bring out notes of crushed blueberries, juicy plums; and warm cassis plus nuances of licorice, cumin seed, and incense. The big, rich, full-on full-bodied palate packs a wallop of black and blue fruit, supported by ripe, plush tannins and bold freshness, finishing with great length.” – LPB (Nov 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is a very beautiful wine and also the first edition that marks the move towards a more serious Cabernet. Black cherry, plum, gravel, spice, leather and tobacco are nicely pushed forward. The 2021 shows the mid-weight style of the year nicely. The One Point Five is mostly estate fruit, with some outside vineyards, including sources that are now owned by Shafer.” – Antonio Galloni (Dec 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Frankly ripe, with a deep, alluring well of açaí berry, blackberry and boysenberry puree flavors that glide through on the polished structure. Pretty flashes of spices, sweet bay and violet skitter through for contrast. The finish is polished, generous and fruit-filled. Drink now through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 9,000 cases made.” – JM (Feb 2024)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Beautiful black and blue fruit on offer here with notes of violets, sea shell, iodine and graphite. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered and structured with super-fine and dense yet almost weightless tannins that push the depth of the wine, leading to a smooth, caressing finish. Try after 2026.” (Nov 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“An excellent wine, still arguably a decent value in the context of Napa Valley Cab, Shafer's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five features attractive aromas of ripe cherries, cedar and vanilla, plus hints of mocha and loam. Full-bodied, ripe and velvety, it offers more concentration, tannins and length than the winery's TD-9. The question consumers will have to answer is whether it is worth the step up in price.” – Joe Czerwinski (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SOUTHERN \/ AMERICAN \/ PACIFIC WINE \u0026 SPIRITS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":53121080361325,"sku":"013528800014","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/y9bvq9cpmansvqbfweab.jpg?v=1760822720"},{"product_id":"rudd-oakville-estate-red-blend-2020-napa-valley-california-twi-96-js-95-dm-95-copy","title":"Rudd Oakville Estate Red Blend 2021 (Napa Valley, California) - [DM 99] [TWI 98] [JS 97] [WS 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 1996, food and wine entrepreneur, Leslie Rudd, purchased a 55-acre estate in Oakville, California to pursue his 30-year dream of owning a winery. He expanded the winery caves to a capacity of 20,000 square feet and used the 78,000 tons of stone and bedrock removed during construction to build the stone walls surrounding the property. These recent improvements allow complete temperature and humidity control over different sections of the caves, which gives flexibility in treating each variety uniquely and aids in barrel fermentation when appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Vintage:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2021 vintage was a gift from Mother Nature. The year began with little rain, leading to an early budbreak during the second year of drought conditions in Napa Valley. Mild spring temperatures supported an easy renewal of the growing season, and rising summer temperatures accelerated the start of harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Oakville Estate harvest began on August 27th, with optimally balanced Cabernet Sauvignon picked over three weeks. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot were harvested in mid‑September, with the final pick on September 20th. This small‑yielding vintage produced wines of great concentration and flavor, with selective barrels composing the Rudd Oakville Estate Red.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine shows deep ruby‑to‑purple hues. Aromas include freshly picked red and black currants, black cherries, and Earl Grey tea, layered with dried rosemary and herbs de Provence. Additional notes of pencil shavings, violet flowers, and light cinnamon complete the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the palate, the wine delivers bright, concentrated currants and plums, accented by dark cocoa and freshly ground espresso. Subtle black olive and anise add savory depth. Balanced, dusty tannins provide structure and amplify the wine’s length, leading to a lasting, elegant finish. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: \u003cspan\u003e83% Cabernet Sauvignon, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15% Cabernet Franc, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2% Petit Verdot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e99 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"Rudd Estate is situated in east Oakville, where vines are subject to late afternoon sun and heat, so mitigating those effects in the vineyard is paramount to ensure a \"crescendo of acidity,\" as winemaker Natalie Bath puts it. Strikingly aromatic with intriguing savoury nuances that lead with ironstone volcanic minerals, nuanced by sagebrush, spicebush, and dried tobacco leaves, framed by pure black cherry, blackberry, and cassis. Medium-bodied, lifted, fresh, and filled with vitality on the palate, layered with more cherry and black currant, fragrant dried herbs and fig leaf, which weave an aromatic and flavour-driven tapestry around the ultra-fine-grained dusty tannins, which dissolve like fine powdery minerals, building to a long earth-and-cocoa-nib-driven finish. There is such freshness and vibrancy in this elegantly fashioned red. The 2021 harvest, completed on the early side by mid-September, marks Natalie Bath's first vintage entirely in the driver's seat as Rudd Estate winemaker (she first worked in the cellars back in 2012).\" - Jonathan Cristaldi (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - The Wine Independent:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Oakville Estate Red was aged for 22 months in French oak, 46% new. It charges out of the glass with bold expressions of blackberry pie, preserved plums, and creme de cassis, with underlying suggestions of chocolate mint, cedar chest, and Indian spices. Full-bodied, rich, and impactful, the palate delivers a velvety texture and exhilarating tension to match the concentrated black fruit flavors, finishing long and spicy. 749 cases were made.\" - LPB (Jun 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Very aromatic with red currants, lavender, terra cotta and fresh bay leaf. Flavors follow through to a full body with very firm tannins that are extremely polished. Tension gives a precise focus to this wine. Best after 2027.\" (Jan 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A nicely packed version, with juicy, winey black currant and blackberry paste flavors that meld steadily with singed apple wood, tar, licorice root and cast iron notes through the long, muscular finish. For fans of the punchy style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038. 749 cases made.\" - JM (Nov 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":53461322596717,"sku":null,"price":349.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/hrgmdoq7mgiec6voaxoc.jpg?v=1700265327"}],"url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/collections\/2016-and-2021-napa-cabs-for-eric-rumptz.oembed","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}