Paradigm Estate Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 97]

About the Winery:
Paradigm Winery is founded and owned by Ren and Marilyn Harris, two winegrowers with extraordinarily deep roots in Napa Valley. Starting with a prune orchard that they purchased and replanted to grapes in the late 1960s, in 1975, after years of selling their grapes, Ren and Marilyn founded Paradigm Winery and began producing wine with the 1991 vintage.

Paradigm consists of four contiguous parcels totaling fifty five acres. Paradigm is a self-contained winery estate; including fifty acres of vineyard, the winery, two homes, a warehouse, a barn and an acre of olive trees.

About the Winemaker:
Heidi was the very first winemaker at Paradigm and hand-crafted every vintage through 2024. A Napa Valley native and a graduate of UC Davis, Heidi is the winemaker for some of Napa Valley's most highly-regarded wineries. Heidi's philosophy in making wines for Paradigm is simple: she feels that she is working with an extraordinary vineyard site that has been farmed impeccably for years. She lets the fruit from this vineyard express its quality and unique terroir with minimal intervention.

About this Wine:
One of only four wines produced by Paradigm, this is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. It is aged 20 months in French oak barrels (60% used, 40% new), followed by 20 months in bottle.

Winemaker Heidi Barrett's Notes:
Deep and dark in color, this wine showcases the rich aromas of Oakville Cabernet—blackberries, black cherries, cassis, and berry jam. We age in 40% new French oak, perfectly complementing the fruit from our distinctive vineyards. The flavors seamlessly reflect the aromas, creating a classic Oakville Cabernet experience. With a silky mouthfeel and a beautifully balanced structure, it’s a testament to the consistency and delicious style long appreciated by fans of Paradigm.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot was fermented in stainless steel with a small percentage of whole berries included. Winemaker Mark Fasi explains that pressing off the wine before it goes dry helps to soften the tannins. The wine is then aged 18–20 months in approximately 50% new French oak. The Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignons are medium-bodied and exude utmost elegance, showcasing soaring tannins that are assertive yet beautifully integrated and framed by crisp, juicy acidity. The palate reveals pure and gorgeous red berry fruit, complemented by a panoply of brown spices, wild herbs like sage, and floral notes of lilacs and violets. This wine is absolutely pure, brimming with energy and tension, and delivers a stunningly refined expression. A remarkable effort, embodying balance, vitality, and sophistication. Truly impressive. The winemaker is legendary Napa icon Heidi Barrett. Mark Fasi, who joined the winery in 2010 and has worked hand-in-hand with Barrett, takes the helm as winemaker with the 2023 vintage." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Dec 2024)