Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon "Stone Valley" 2021
(The Rocks District, Oregon) - [DM 97] [IWR 97] [WE 97] [JD 96] [OB 96] [VM 95]

About the Winery:
Cimento began in 2017 with the belief that the Walla Walla Valley was poised to rise on the world wine stage. The founders were particularly intrigued by a small wine-growing appellation called The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, where a unique 3,600-acre area possessed one essential quality for global significance: terroir. The winery is focused entirely on its estate vineyards in The Rocks District of Milton- Freewater, Oregon. The wines are crafted by Winemaker Todd Alexander in their state-of-the-art facility, utilizing minimal intervention techniques to create true wines-of-place.

The Rocks District is known for being the only US AVA defined by a single soil series, with a typicity showing savory notes in the wines.

About Winemaker Todd Alexander:
Hailing from Napa Valley, Todd gained invaluable experience and rose to prominence while working on production teams at renowned wineries such as Plumpjack and CADE. His talent and dedication eventually led him to the esteemed position of winemaker at the illustrious Bryant Family Vineyard. In 2014, Todd made a bold move, relocating his family to Washington to assume the role of winemaker at Force Majeure. Simultaneously, he embarked on his own venture, founding Holocene wines. Todd’s creations have consistently received critical acclaim, earning him a well-deserved status as one of the foremost winemaking talents in the United States.

Stephen Morina, who was previously assistant winemaker at Force Majeure under Alexander, took over winemaking responsibilities in 2025. Anthony Yount, who has 20 years of winemaking experience in Paso Robles, began serving as consulting winemaker in 2025.

About this Wine:

The Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA
San Tommaso Vineyard was previously known as Stone Valley Estate; it was renamed in honor of Tom Walliser who planted the original vines in 1988.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
stainless steel and concrete fermentation, 32-day maceration
Native Yeast, minimal intervention, bottled unfined and unfiltered
70% new French oak, 22 months
249 cases produced
Organic farming practices

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A deliciously complex Cabernet Sauvignon which will unspool its true character over a number of years, the Cimento Stone Valley Estate Vineyard Cabernet comes from a site planted in 1998 by Tom Walliser. The vineyard is now named San Tommaso in his honour. Made with native yeast and minimal intervention, it spent 22 months in 70% new French oak. It shows the true character of The Rocks District, gamy and umami to the core. Hoisin and smoky soy lead the aromatics, with whiffs of tobacco leaf, singed rose petals, black olive tapenade, and espresso bean, with a hint of charred meat. The palate layers deep dark notes of plum and tar with smoky Moroccan spices, spicy molé and savoury, salty herbals. The texture is sublime, and the finish lasts a lifetime." – Clive Pursehouse (Oct 2025)

97 Points - International Wine Report:
"The 2021 Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rocks District’s Stone Valley Vineyard is a strikingly complex and terroir-driven wine, sourced from vines planted in 1998 and aged in 70% new French oak. The nose is deep and layered, offering aromas of blackberries, dried tobacco, and espresso, intertwined with hints of graphite, savory herbs, and anise. On the palate, this Cabernet is both polished and powerful, with a rich texture complemented by bright acidity and finely structured tannins. Dark plum, cassis, and roasted coffee unfold over a mineral-laced backbone, reminiscent of crushed stone and damp earth. Its refinement shines through, finishing long with echoes of forest floor and umami. Elegant yet bold, this is a remarkable expression of Cabernet Sauvignon with the depth to age gracefully over the next 15 years. Highly recommended."

97 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"Stone Valley is an apt name for both the vineyard's soil composition and the wine's minerality. It begins with a power punch of blackcurrants mixed with cinnamon, saline and pencil lead. This is a fuller-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with chewy tannins that will beat up your palate for its lunch money. The flavors are a heady mix of black cherries, charred cherry tomatoes, balsa wood and a touch of saline. This is the kind of wine that makes you want to brave a mosh pit. Enjoy now until 2037." - Michael Alberty (Feb 2026)

96 Points -Jeb Dunnuck:
"Brambly plum and berry rides a smooth current of tension and texture in the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Stone Valley, from a newer entrant to the region. Earthy cedar and sage meet firm, supple tannins and well-integrated oak along the way. The wine has great bones and should continue to evolve a good 10-15 years from here." – Virginie Boone (Jul 2025)

96 Points - Owen Bargreen:
"The 2021 Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the San Tomasso Vineyard in the Rocks District. Vines were planted back in 1998. Tobacco leaf and dark currants line the nose alongside shades of coffee grounds and black licorice. Aged in 70% new French oak, this is round and generous on the mouth, with mouth-watering acidity and a beautiful vein of wet gravel. There is nothing quite like this. Very Pauillac-like, and medium to full-bodied showing wonderful freshness, enjoy now and over the next ten years." (Dec 2024)

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"Plum sauce gives way to sweet sage, lavender pastille and confectionary spice as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Stone Valley Estate Vineyard blossoms in the glass. This is cool-toned and energetic in style, with racy red and black fruits taking on a saline mineral tinge toward the close. Super-fine tannins amass through the finish as the 2021 tapers off long and spicy, leaving hints of licorice and tart black raspberry to fade slowly." – Eric Guido (Dec 2024)