2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

This is a fruit-forward wine, with dark fruit dominating the palate. Blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, and currants explode on the nose and palate. Black currant, raspberry, and cherry pair seamlessly with cigar box, leather, tobacco leaf, and subtle herbaceous. Hints of black olive, black tea, dark cocoa, and eucalyptus complement the soft tannins and keep this wine balanced. This medium-bodied wine finishes with fig preserves and baking spices. This is an elegant wine crafted to be enjoyed upon release but can easily hold up to age for another 7-10 years.

A delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from two of our Napa vineyards, Pocai & Fig Tree. Each growing area brings a different dimension and complexity to this wine. We then blend to make this wine a representation of the vintage but also for approachable drinking upon release.

93 points, James Suckling

In Stock

Wine Specs

Vintage

2021

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation

Napa Valley

Harvest Date

September 20 - October 8, 2021

Acid

5.7

3.86

Aging

19 months in oak barrels, 44% New French oak

Bottling Date

April 11, 2023

Alcohol %

15.4

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes

Our Napa Cab is becoming a to-go wine for many Ballentine wine lovers. This is a fruit-forward wine, with dark fruit dominating the palate. Blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, and currants explode on the nose and palate. Hints of black olive, dark cocoa, eucalyptus complement the soft tannins and keep this wine balanced. This medium-bodied wine finishes with fig preserves and baking spices. This wine is crafted to be enjoyed upon release but can easily hold up to aging for another 7-10 years.

Ratings

93 points, James Suckling 92 points, Wine Spectator 91 points, Jeb Dunnuck

Vineyard Notes

90% Pocai Vineyard and 10% Fig Tree Vineyard grapes were blended for this vintage.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of several of our Cabernet picks from the vintage. With careful selection and management in the vineyards, only the highest quality fruit was used on our Cabernet. Fermented in bins and small tanks, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon was gently hand punched down three times a day. Pressed off early to maintain fresh fruit vibrancy, this wine was aged in 44% new French oak. The wine is given ample time for tannins to combine and the palate to gain weight, structure, and complexity yet maintain a fruit forward nature. Blending was carefully done, with time given to allow the components to integrate, and the goal of a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.

Food Pairing Notes

mushroom risotto, hamburgers with fig jam, lamb skewers, savory string bean chicken (yes we tried it and yes it pairs really well)

Other Notes

80% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Cabernet Franc 5% Malbec 3% Petit Verdot