Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 93]

About This Wine:
We have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978. Blending fruit from estate vineyards and top Napa Valley growers, this wine embodies the complexity of the valley, while offering a seamless balance between fruit, oak and tannins. To add nuance the Cabernet is blended with Merlot, yielding a wine that is approachable in its youth, yet worthy of cellaring.

Production Notes:

Despite an unusually dry winter and warm spring, budbreak was delayed due to light rain in March. The overall lack of rainfall led to light clusters and small berries, which resulted in reduced yields and great concentration. Harvest began on August 5th with Semillon, and early heat generated a fast and furious first few weeks of picking. A much-needed mid-September cool-down allowed for sugars to realign with flavor development. Moderate temperatures continued throughout the rest of the season, providing additional hangtime for the grapes. Our last red grapes were harvested before the rains in late October, resulting in beautiful wines that are dense, pure and polished.

Varietal Composition: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Aged 16 months in 100% French oak - 50% new, 50% neutral

14.5% ABV

Crafted from mountain and valley-floor fruit, this voluptuous wine reveals aromas of spiced blackberry, blueberry cobbler, black currant, milk chocolate and licorice. On the palate, lively acidity adds poise and brightness to the blackberry and black raspberry flavors, with rich, chocolaty tannins and notions of black tea adding suppleness and sophistication to a long, luxurious finish.

93 Points - Decanter:
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc aged 16 months in 50% new French oak. Both estate and purchased grapes. A bright, juicy, and lifted wine with succulent blueberry and black cherry fruits, black currants, clove, graphite, and new wood cedar. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins. A burst of refreshing acidity through the finish makes for an excellent dinner table Cabernet from this iconic producer. (Drink between 2024-2034)