Rudd "Crossroads" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 95] [JS 94] [WS 93] [TWI 93]

About the Winery:
Crossroads by Rudd is estate grown in the Napa Valley, biodynamically and organically farmed, and made by the same winemaking team as Rudd Estate. It is meant to serve as an introduction to Rudd's wines, and are meant to be enjoyed upon release.

About the Wine:
The 2021 vintage was a gift from Mother Nature. The year commenced with little rain, leading to an early budbreak with the second year of drought conditions in Napa Valley. Mild spring temperatures allowed for an easy renewal to the growing season with temperatures rising in the summer months, accelerating the start of harvest. The Oakville Estate harvest started early on August 27th, with beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon ready to be picked over the course of three weeks. A small yielding vintage revealed wines of great concentration and flavor with select lots making the cut for our stunningly approachable Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting Notes:
In true Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon expression, this wine offers a captivating bouquet with crushed, dried florals and lush black cherries that immediately jump out of the glass. Light tobacco leaf and wild sage add another layer, enticing one to continue looking for more. On the palate, the wine unfolds with vibrant red currants and pops of fresh black cherries, elongated by a pronounced acidity, elevating the enjoyment. The interplay of gravelly and cocoa tannins add depth and character to a lively and well-rounded texture. Towards the end, the palate is rounded out by a light note of sweetness and spice, wrapping this wine up into a complete package. For all who have the opportunity to partake, it is the perfect wine to bring to any dinner party, or better yet, build an entire dinner party around the wine. Pair with warm roasted dishes and savory sides, and most importantly, a great atmosphere!

Appellation: Oakville
Farming: 100% Estate fruit, organically grown
Harvest Dates: Starting August 27th, lasting 23 days, 9 separate picks
Aging: 53% Neutral French Oak, 47% New French Oak

Ratings and Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"The Crossroads label serves as an introductory label for the Rudd Estate wines as far as price goes, and they are beautifully expressive of the Oakville estate vineyards. The 2021 is opulently rich and is one of the best-value Cabernets in Napa from such an iconic estate. Under $100, it drinks like a wine twice the price. Through blind tastings, winemaker Natalie Bath and team narrow down the lots they believe will comprise the Crossroads wines. The final blend in 2021 offers super expressive black fruit, liquorice, tobacco, dried florals, vivid sagebrush and dried thyme. Fresh, inviting, and layered with a remarkable mid-palate concentration of blackberry, cherry, and plums. Pixelated tannins build in volume balanced by a firm spine of refreshing acidity. The wine is super-knit and balanced. "– Jonathan Cristaldi (Dec 2023)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Red currant, spice, dried flower and hints of spearmint aromas follow through to a medium body with succulent red fruit and light chocolate with some terra cotta. It’s all framed nicely with tannins. From 88% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot. Very drinkable but it will age nicely." (Jan 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Shows the vivid and racy-edged fruit of the vintage, with boysenberry, mulberry and blackberry notes that sparkle, plus hints of anise, applewood, violet and hibiscus. There's a toasty edge to the finish that's offset nicely by a solid graphite spine, lending definition and support to the fruit. Best from 2025 through 2037. 866 cases made." - James Molesworth (July 2024)

93 Points - The Wine Independent:
The 2021 Crossroads Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in French oak, 53% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it shoots out of the glass with energetic notes of crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries, and Bing cherries, plus suggestions of graphite, cedar chest, and mint tea. The full-bodied palate is completely coated with bright, expressive black berry flavors sparked by mint and mineral notes, framed with grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a cheeky ferrous lift. Pure deliciousness! 866 cases were made.  Drink 2024-2038." - LPB (Jun 2024)