Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
" . . . a classic Napa wine, showing again Trefethen’s mastery with Cabernet.” – Rich Cook
A wine of depth and dignity, this elegant expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reflects everything we have learned farming our estate vineyards in the cool climate of the Oak Knoll District since 1968. Achieving a density of dark fruit on the palate, we maintain a bright and lively peppery spiciness, resulting in a wine of impeccable balance that evolves beautifully in both the glass and the cellar.
Dark fruit aromas of plum and black cherry are integrated with savory hints of cocoa, pepper and fragrant herbs. Bright on the palate, concentrated cherry flavors are layered with softer notes of vanilla and forest floor.
The preceding winter, which marked our second consecutive drought year, featured the lowest rainfall total in our entire history, going back to 1968. The vines grew vigorously during the warm and dry spring as the vineyard team did an excellent job with early weed control and irrigation. The summer months, from June through September, were all cooler than average, which slowed down the ripening process and allowed for fantastic flavor development. The yields were lower than usual, given the drought conditions, but the resulting wines are excellent and reflect our unique location in the Oak Knoll District at the cooler southern end of Napa Valley.
This wine pairs well with fatty dishes, which will highlight its finegrained tannins and herbal notes. Winery Chef Chris Kennedy recommends fire roasted dishes and grilled or braised red meats.
92 points
"A medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon with dark berries, currants, bark, thyme and some stones. Fine tannins with a refined texture. Layered and well-crafted with a flavorful juicy finish..." -James Suckling
95 Points | Gold
“A melange of blackberry and cherry flavours imbued with simmering menthol and aromatic anise to amplify. Expansive and generous with spicy oak tannins and a lengthy finish.” - Decanter World Wine Awards
91+ Points
"A strong vintage for this wine, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate includes 6% each Malbec and Petit Verdot and spent 18 months in 53% new oak. The result is that notes of cedar and brown sugar accent black cherries and cassis on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is richly textured, silky and elegant but firm and tannic." - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
