As wine lovers, we’re beset by a neverending plague of superlatives, especially when it comes to communications from wineries and their marketing associations. Just ask anyone paying close attention to harvests around the world how many “vintages of a lifetime” they’ve read about or heard about, and you’ll get an eye roll and a count requiring more fingers than they possess.

The fact remains, however, that some vintages are markedly better than others, and I’m here to tell you that, after tasting Napa wines thoroughly on a yearly basis since 2004, the 2021 vintage is my favorite of them all.

After the disastrous 2020 vintage, any vintage that yielded a harvest would seem like a miracle. For those not keeping track, 2020 featured the horrors of the Glass Fire, which drove many producers in Napa to forgo producing a red wine that year. But 2021 wasn’t merely heralded for being (thank heavens) a vintage without incident. A combination of factors resulted in a vintage whose wines I adore, and that I believe will be among California’s most celebrated in the decades to come.

A Memory of the Desert

No one likes a drought. Neither farmers nor the fields they work. But anyone who has been to where wine grape vines come from (as I did in my visit to Armenia this past autumn) will recognize that the homeland of the Vitis Vinifera vine does not particularly resemble the verdant hills of California wine country. Even when they are at the height of their parched summer gold.

No, the grapevine that became the source for the world’s great wines originally grew in a pretty harsh environment, a rocky, windswept land with variably intermittent access to water, brutally hot days, and often very cold nights.

I’m not saying that the key to great wine lies in duplicating those primordial conditions, but I do think that locked into the DNA of our beloved grapevine are a set of responses and characteristics effortlessly expressed when the climate enters familiar territory, so to speak.

The 2021 growing season in Napa, and in particular the winter of 2020-2021 was notable for being the second year of an acute drought, with only 7.34 inches of rain at the Oakville weather station. The previous winter saw only 5.32 inches (compared with the historical average of 27 inches).

When a grapevine experiences two consecutive winters of water deficit, it shifts into a survival mode that, more than anything else, results in the conservation of energy and the production of far less fruit than average.

Indeed, the 2021 harvest was the second smallest in a decade, only topped by the fire-affected 2020 harvest where many smoke-tainted grapes went unharvested or were simply cut off and dropped on the ground. In addition to fewer grape clusters, however, the drought-affected grapevine also produces smaller clusters of thicker-skinned, smaller berries, which change the ratio of juice to skins resulting in a concentration of flavor that truly does wonders for wine.

Mercifully Uneventful

But concentration of flavor only matters if the grapes can retain that concentration in a state of balance through the growing season, and that was the special magic that the 2021 vintage delivered in spades.

The vines came out of their winter dormancy in early April, with bud break earlier than normal, followed by a mild spring completely devoid of precipitation. Moving into June, when the delicate process of flowering can easily be derailed by even just a little wind, never mind anything resembling inclement weather, it was smooth sailing for the vines, with an earlier-than-normal flowering. Things steadily warmed up, and then in late June a couple of days exceeded 100 degrees.

Drought years can often feature a lot of summer heat, but mercifully, remarkably, those two days in June were the only heat incidents for the entire rest of the summer. Following on the early bud break and flowering, veraison, the point in maturation when the grape berries go from hard green pea-like things to fleshy colored berries, also came early.

The absence of the previous year’s scorching heat and relatively mild temperatures, with only a few days in the 90s in late August and throughout September, had winemakers positively dancing in their harvest boots. A mere 0.07 inches of rain fell in all of September, and even the first couple of weeks of October were dry, giving winemakers the long slow ripening season of their dreams before the skies opened up in late October and the (well-needed) substantial winter rains began.

The harvest went off without a hitch. There was less fruit than usual, but what there was came in clean, with near zero disease pressure, and winemakers were able to pick whenever they felt the fruit was ready. And when they did, they invariably got fruit with very high natural acidity and intense flavors thanks to the thick skins and tiny berries.

Power, Grace, and Energy

When I tasted hundreds of 2021 wines out of barrel at the Premiere Napa Valley event in 2022, here’s what I had to say about my early impressions of those wines:

Napa has had a number of excellent vintages in recent years, my favorites being the 2019, 2013, and 2010, but from my tasting yesterday, the 2021 vintage blows them all away. Maybe I’ve lost the immediacy of my sensorial memory of those vintages, but I can’t remember any of them possessing the perfect balance of fresh acidity, brilliant fruit, and supple fineness of tannin that I found in the best wines at Premiere this year…. Did I mention that these wines are f$%*ing delicious? They’re really phenomenally tasty.

Things have only changed for the better in the 24 to 36 months since then. The wines have become more refined, smoother, and the primacy of the fruit that characterizes early barrel samples has evolved into the classic cherry, tobacco, cassis, and plum expressions of great Cabernet Sauvignon that makes it the world’s favorite red wine.

The best wines of the 2021 vintage show an incredible vibrancy, thrumming with an acid-driven energy that kicks the salivary glands into overdrive. Aromatics, enhanced by the high skin-to-juice ratio have a wonderful perfumed quality and sometimes feature beautiful floral notes.

I love the way these wines are maturing, and they will continue to do so for a couple of decades, especially those that were picked with a great acid balance and where extraction was managed to produce the fine, supple tannins that Napa does better than just about anywhere else.

Sure, there were some people who took advantage of the perfect season and went for too much of a good thing—too much hangtime, too much extraction, and (usually) too much new oak for it all—and ended up with aggressive, brawny wines that seem like bodybuilders caught mid-lift with bulging neck veins. But there were frankly an astonishing number of really excellent wines made in this vintage, so even throwing darts you’re likely to end up with something tasty. Your favorite producers, on the other hand, likely made wines you’ll never forget.

Some New Napa Names

The 2021 vintage introduced me to a couple of new producers that are worth highlighting, both for their exceptional wines in this vintage as well as the overall quality and vision of their winemaking projects in Napa.

First among them is Almacerro, a small property up on Howell Mountain where Australian-born winemaker Matilda Scott and consulting winemaker François Peschon are coaxing incredibly suave and electric wines out of a craggy hillside vineyard surrounded by forest. I’ve visited the small estate, and it’s a jewel box of a property that seems to have gotten everything right for making exceptional wines.

Next in line is Alta Nova, a project by Master Sommelier Desmond Echavarrie, who has brought on winemaker Britt Richards to make a trio of Napa Cabernets from purchased fruit of which their basic, non-reserve bottling was my introduction to their wines in this vintage. It’s delicious and has a remarkably humble price point in an age when it can feel difficult to find great wines under $100.

Last but not least was the debut of the Kingsmark brand, an ode to the late Leslie Rudd by his niece Whitney Skibell. She convinced Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky of Atelier Melka to help her make an exceptional Napa Cabernet and to make it according to kosher strictures. They succeeded brilliantly, and if you are in the market for Napa Cabernets in the $350+ price range, then you’ll appreciate it. Doubly so if you or your relatives keep kosher.

— / / —

The 2021 vintage was a special one, and I’ve made it a point to buy a few more bottles of my favorite Napa Cabernets from 2021 than I would normally, simply because I’m not sure when I’m going to see another vintage this good in Napa.

Hold the phone, though. The 2023 vintage is raising its hand as a contender. Think of it as a year with a bit less drought, and an even cooler growing season than 2021, and you’ll have an inkling why some people are trumpeting its virtues even more than 2021. I’m going to be tasting more than 100 of the best 2023s in the coming months, so I’ll have to report back to you on that.

Until then, my superlatives stand firm.

Tasting Notes

The following wines were tasted throughout the past 12-14 months, with a good chunk of them tasted in a single sitting in January. Winemaking details indicated are as shared by producers, and bottles were weighed before tasting. Not all bottles were weighed, so there are doubtless some additional wines here that should be shamed for heavy bottles.

Frankly, there are still a lot of wines here that I AM shaming for their heavy bottles. Come on Napa, get with the program. I’ve been beating this drum for years and some of you are listening, but the days of a 1-kilogram bottle as a signal of luxury and quality are over.

In an age of climate consciousness, your overly heavy bottles say nothing more than a big “F*ck you” to the environment—a clear signal that your ego and brand aspirations are more important to you than the planet. Guess which the next generation of wine drinkers cares more about?

About 20% of the wines below were sent to me as press samples, the remainder were tasted either in a flight arranged by the Napa Valley Vintners or in a few cases, on my visit to the winery. For the most part, I’ve reported the suggested retail prices of the wines as supplied by producers, clicking through the “buy” link will demonstrate that you can likely get the wine for less from your preferred e-commerce retailer (unless it’s a highly allocated wine that you will be paying more for on the secondary market).

Remember, 2021 is a smaller vintage, so now’s the time to snap up the bottles you want to own and age.

Wines With a Score Between 9.5 and 10

2021 Almacerro Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry and a hint of boysenberry. In the mouth, fantastically juicy flavors of cherry and plum have an incredible aromatic quality, with notes of flowers and cola, dried herbs, and a hint of licorice root. Fine tannins coat the mouth, and outstanding acidity makes for a mouthwatering package. Truly exceptional. Fermented in steel, with the exception of 5% that was fermented in French oak puncheons. Aged for 22-23 months in 65% new French oak. Unfiltered. 14.7% alcohol. 408 cases made. Cost: $220. click to buy.

2021 Continuum Estate Red Blend, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and plum, plus dried and fresh herbs. In the mouth, fantastically juicy and bright flavors of cherry and plum and plum skin have a mouthwatering quality thanks to incredible acidity. As the salivary glands kick into overdrive, faintly spicy notes merge with the core of fruit, adding a hint of cinnamon, baking spice, and cola nut to the just-perfectly-ripe Bing cherry core of this wine. The tannins are wonderfully fine-grained and supple and hang in the background, adding texture and complexity. Outstanding and utterly delicious. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot. Spends 21 months in 60% new French oak. Three percent of the blend was aged in concrete. Organically produced. Bottled unfiltered. Average vine age of 20 years. 14.9% alcohol. 4000 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.55 kg when full. Cost: $350. click to buy.

2021 FUTO Estate “Seta” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of star anise, black cherry, chopped herbs, and a touch of earth. In the mouth, supple rich tannins fill the mouth and cushion flavors of black cherry, cola, star anise, dried herbs, and plum. A hint of blueberries lingers in the finish with that lovely spice character. Excellent acidity, and a regal soaring quality. Superb. A blend of the estate’s two properties with some co-fermentation of fruit. Contains the full complement of varieties from the estates: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot. Ages for 20 months in 60% new French oak with a combination of large format and barriques. This is the inaugural vintage of this wine. 14.4% alcohol. 800 cases made. Cost: $250.

2021 FUTO Estate “5500” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackcurrant and black cherry with a hint of blackberries. In the mouth, fantastically juicy black cherry and black plum flavors are shot through with a touch of black pepper as stony, powdery tannins coat the mouth and gradually stiffen, not to the point of rigidity, but to the point of toned muscle. Fantastic acidity. There’s a beguiling weightlessness to this wine with a hint of herbs, spices, and mocha lingering in the finish. Utterly delicious. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Merlot. Ages in 60% new oak for 24 months. 14.2% alcohol. 450 cases made. Cost: $600. click to buy.

2021 Antinori Napa Valley “Townsend” Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak
Inky dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of violets, black cherry, blackcurrant, and plum with a hint of vanilla. In the mouth, gorgeously seamless black cherry and black plum flavors are wrapped in supple suede-like tannins and enlivened with bright juicy acidity. Stunning balance and refined poise. An outstanding wine. Spends 2 years in new French oak. 14.2% alcohol. Cost: $175. click to buy.

2021 Corison Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, cassis, herbs, and dark earth. In the mouth, gorgeously seamless flavors of black cherry, earth, licorice, blackcurrant, and dried flowers are wrapped in a muscular, fleecy blanket of fine-grained tannins. Fantastic acidity and incredible length, this is a wine that is going to last decades. 13.6% alcohol. Cost: $130. click to buy.

Wines With a Score Around 9.5

2021 Acumen “PEAK” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, cocoa powder, and espresso. In the mouth, gorgeously bright flavors of cherry, mocha, oak, and a touch of cola have a fresh lively quality thanks to excellent acidity. The oak is beautifully integrated here and the tannins are quite subtle and restrained. Contains 5% Merlot. Aged in 75% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 1033 cases made. Cost: $135. click to buy.

2021 Chappellet Vineyard “Hideaway” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry fruit with a hint of blackcurrant. In the mouth, wonderfully juicy flavors of cherry, black cherry, blackcurrant, and blueberries are wrapped in a smooth, suede-like sheath of tannins that remains supple as juicy acidity keeps the fruit fresh and bright on the palate. Notes of tobacco leaf and dried herbs mix with a touch of licorice root in the finish. 14.7% alcohol. 1550 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $175. click to buy.

2021 Corison Winery “Sunbasket Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Very dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of black cherry, black plum, licorice, and a hint of flowers. In the mouth, the wine has a gorgeous seamlessness on the palate, as dark cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice flavors are wrapped in a fleecy blanket of tannins that sits weightless on the palate. Beautifully integrated notes of oak (mostly scents of vanilla) hang above the fruit, as a faint graphite note lingers below. Fantastic acidity and a sort of coiled-spring sense of power. Lovely. 14% alcohol. Cost: $250. click to buy.

2021 Farella Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and cola with hints of pipe tobacco. In the mouth, wonderfully bright and juicy flavors of black cherry, cola, and licorice root are positively mouthwatering thanks to excellent acidity. Fine-grained muscular tannins gradually squeeze the palate but remain supple enough to let the fruit take center stage. Notes of freshly chopped herbs linger in the finish. Outstanding. Aged in 40% new French oak for 24 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 14.8% alcohol. 346 cases made. Cost: $75. click to buy.

2021 FUTO Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Inky, opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and blueberry fruit with hints of iodine and flowers. In the mouth, muscular tannins coat the mouth and gradually, but gently squeeze a core of black cherry, cola, blackberry, and mocha. Fantastic acidity adds a real freshness to the wine, as mocha, herb, and dried licorice root linger in the finish. Beautifully fine tannins are slightly drying. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ages for 22 months in 60% new oak. 14.2% alcohol. 500 cases made. Cost: $600. click to buy.

2021 Grace Family Vineyards “Cornelius Grove” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Inky opaque garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of black cherry, blackcurrant, and plum. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and plum flavors are boisterous with excellent acidity as fine-grained tannins coat the mouth and gradually stiffen with time. Notes of aromatic herbs and berries linger in the finish, with a nice herbal freshness. The tannins get quite muscular suggesting a few years of aging before drinking, but it is still pretty delicious at the moment. Fermented with ambient yeasts from a pied de cuve. Aged for 21 months in 65% new French oak. Organically produced. Bottled unfiltered. 14.8% alcohol. 262 cases made. Cost: $350. click to buy.

2021 Joseph Phelps “Insignia” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, tobacco leaf, sweet cedar, and licorice. In the mouth, powdery tannins fill every nook and cranny as a core of black cherry, dried herbs, licorice, blackberry,y and cola swirl in a seamless, juicy gush across the palate. Hints of sweet oak emerge on the finish along with cola and vanilla, but excellent acidity keeps things from being too heavy. Big, rich, concentrated, and very Napa in its expression, but hard to fault in any way for this consummate expression. An exceptional wine. A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc, all aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. Fruit comes from six distinct vineyard sources across the Oak Knoll, Rutherford, Stags Leap, and St. Helena AVAs. 14.5% alcohol. Packaged in a heavier-than-it-needs-to-be bottle weighing 1.54 kg when full. Cost: $375. click to buy.

2021 Kenzo Estate “ai” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, blackcurrant, and cigar box. In the mouth, rich black cherry and blueberry notes mix with licorice and dried herbs as supple, powdery tannins coat the mouth. Excellent acidity keeps things bright and fresh as notes of cola and blueberry linger in the finish. Seamless, poised, and quite graceful, despite its power and richness. Excellent. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak. “Ai” means Indigo in Japanese. 15.2% alcohol. 650 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.58 kg when full. Cost: $300. click to buy.

2021 Kingsmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and cassis and floral herbs. In the mouth, sumptuous black cherry and cassis flavors mix with graphite and dried herbs. The tannins are supple and velvety, with outstanding acidity and brightness but a rich downy plushness that is quite compelling. Kosher (non-mevushal) 14.9% alcohol. Cost: $400. click to buy.

2021 Larkmeand Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry fruit and a hint of sweet vanilla. In the mouth, beautifully juicy cherry flavors have a bright purity to them and are wrapped in suede-like muscular tannins. Gorgeous notes of dried herbs and a hint of violets linger in the finish. A spectacular wine with lovely balance and purity. 14.7% alcohol. Cost: $120. click to buy.

2021 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of fresh black cherries and plums. In the mouth, gorgeous supple tannins twine around juicy and bright flavors of black cherry, plum, and a hint of blueberry and cola. Fantastic acidity and a lovely fine, powdery texture to the tannins make for a stunning package. There’s a bright freshness to this wine that is very compelling, not to mention delicious. A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carménère, 1% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in 65% new French oak, with 3% of the wine aged in terracotta amphorae. Organically and biodynamically produced. 14.5% alcohol. 10000 cases made. Cost: $250. click to buy.

2021 Salvestrin Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of juicy black cherry and blueberries. In the mouth, juicy cherry, blueberry, and plum flavors have a fantastic, mouthwatering acidity and fine-grained tannins that have a nice restraint to them. Excellent acidity and balance here, with a blueberry and cola note lingering in the finish. Outstanding. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. Organically produced. 14.7% alcohol. 980 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.55 kg when full. Cost: $95. click to buy.

2021 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherries, wet earth, dried herbs, and dried flowers. In the mouth, gorgeous black cherry and blackberry flavors mix with a hint of graphite and flowers as fine-grained muscular tannins coat the mouth. With excellent acidity and incredible balance, this wine is effortless in its grace. Hints of chopped herbs linger in the finish with the faint sweetness of oak. Delicious now, but just wait another 5 to 10 years and watch out. 13.6% alcohol. Cost: $285. click to buy.

Wines With a Score Between 9 and 9.5

2021 Acumen “Mountainside” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry and blackcurrant. In the mouth, fresh and brisk flavors of black cherry, cola, and blackcurrant are wrapped in muscular tannins that flex and stiffen as the wine moves across the palate. Excellent acidity. Earthier notes and dried herbs linger in the finish. Still a little brooding at this point in its evolution. I’d let it rest for a couple of years. 14.5% alcohol. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.67 kg when full. Cost: $45. click to buy.

2021 Alta Nova Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet cherry and plum fruit and a hint of cocoa powder. In the mouth, juicy and bright cherry and plum flavors are shot through with vanilla and a touch of milk chocolate. Powdery tannins coat the mouth and bright acidity keeps things fresh and juicy. The oak is pretty well integrated, and the tannins, supple. Notes of cola linger in the finish. Aged for 12 months in French oak. Certified sustainable production. 14.5% alcohol. 1000 cases made. Cost: $75.

2021 Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and cola. In the mouth, bright, juicy cherry and plum flavors are wrapped in a fleecy blanket of fine-grained tannins. Fantastic acidity keeps things very bright and mouthwatering, with hints of citrus peel in amongst the cherry, tobacco leaf, and plum skin flavors. Boisterous, with very well-integrated oak. Organically produced. 14.9% alcohol. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2021 Benessere Vineyards “John’s Promise” Red Blend, St. Helena
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, plum, and tobacco leaf. In the mouth, juicy and bright cherry and plum flavors are wrapped in a suede-like sheaf of tannins that gradually stiffen as the wine finishes with notes of plum skin, cedar, and a touch of orange peel. Excellent acidity. Contains 15% Aglianico and 5% Teroldego. Aged for 22 months in 60% new French oak. 14.4% alcohol. 129 cases made. Cost: $89. click to buy.

2021 Charles Krug “Family Reserve Generations” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry and blueberries with some floral notes. In the mouth, black cherry and ripe plum flavors mix with a hint of mocha and a hint of cola. There’s a lovely blueberry top note here that lingers through the finish. Refined, supple tannins remain smooth as excellent acidity keeps the fruit juicy and mouthwatering. Polished and poised. Contains 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Merlot. Aged for 20-21 months in French oak. 14.7% alcohol. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $90. click to buy.

2021 Chimney Rock Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, blackcurrant, and sweet oak. In the mouth, rich and ripe black cherry fruit remains vibrant and mouthwatering thanks to excellent acidity. Fleecy tannins coat the mouth, but have a nice restraint, letting the bright fruit take center stage, scented with a hint of sweet oak and dried herbs. There’s a charming fresh herb mintiness that lingers in the finish. Quite a pretty wine that I think will age quite well. Contains 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 0.5% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Malbec. Aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak. No fining or filtration. 14.5% alcohol. 13363 cases made. Cost: $110. click to buy.

2021 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackberry and black cherry with a hint of toasted oak. In the mouth, extremely juicy flavors of black and Bing cherry, cola nut, and herb flavors are wrapped in a muscular fist of tannins that begins to dry the mouth as notes of cherry and licorice linger in the finish with hints of mocha. The excellent acidity keeps things quite fresh and juicy but the oak sticks out a bit here. Hard to argue with the cherry and cola purity, though. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. 15.4% alcohol. Comes in a ridiculously heavy bottle weighing 1.98 kg when full, meaning the glass itself weighs more than a kilogram. A big middle finger to the environment. Cost: $135. click to buy.

2021 Elizabeth Spencer “Special Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and plum. In the mouth, wonderfully juicy black cherry and plum flavors are quite mouthwatering thanks to fantastic acidity. Notes of cola, dried herbs, and licorice root linger with a hint of sweet oak in the finish. The tannins are muscular, with a suede-like texture. They slightly dry the mouth, but the acidity and freshness of fruit keep things in pretty decent balance. Contains 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Fermented with ambient yeasts. Aged for 30 months in French oak. 14.5% alcohol. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $55. click to buy.

2021 Erlich Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet black cherry and blackcurrant. In the mouth, plush velvety tannins surround a core of black cherry and cassis with hints of blackberry and dark chocolate. A bit of oak peeks through in the finish with a mocha-like complexion. Very good acidity, and a nice restrained elegance. Lush but not overly opulent. Spends 21 months in 50% new French oak barrels before bottling. 14.2% alcohol. 250 cases made. Cost: $??

2021 Flora Springs “Holy Smoke” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of chopped green herbs, cola, and cherry. In the mouth, cherry and a touch of green herbs mix with tobacco leaf and cola. Juicy and bright with muscular tannins that have a nice fine-grained texture to them. Excellent acidity and freshness. Hints of oak only emerge on the finish. 14.2% alcohol. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.67 kg when full. Cost: $150. click to buy.

2021 Flora Springs “Out of Sight” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, licorice, and a hint of snuffed candle. In the mouth, rich black cherry and cola flavors mix with licorice and violets. Very supple, fine-grained tannins caress the palate, with excellent acidity keeping things fresh. The sweet aroma of oak emerges at the end of the finish. A smooth operator. 14.2% alcohol. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.67 kg when full. Cost: $150. click to buy.

2021 Gallica “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, blackcurrant, and blueberries. In the mouth, rich black cherry, blueberry, and blackcurrant flavors are fresh and juicy thanks to excellent acidity. Extremely fine-grained tannins have a wonderfully majestic structure in the mouth and don’t so much squeeze the palate as grasp it firmly. Built for the long haul, but definitely still tasty now. Ages for 18 months in French oak. Certified organic grapes. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $170. click to buy.

2021 Grgich Hills Estate “Paradise Block” Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, wet earth, and chopped herbs. In the mouth black cherry and blackcurrant flavors mix with a nice dark earthiness, as fine-grained, suede-like tannins coat the mouth. This wine has a lovely restrained, earthy quality to balance the bright fruit. Excellent acidity. Aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak. Organically produced. Comes from Violet’s Vineyard, planted in 1959 on St. George rootstock. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $295.

2021 Groth Vineyards & Winery “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blueberries, flowers, and black cherries. In the mouth, bright and juicy black cherry and blueberry flavors have a lovely zip thanks to excellent acidity. Fine-grained tannins coat the mouth but don’t exert much pressure on the palate leaving the fruit and a hint of licorice and herbs to linger fresh and bright through a long finish with a whisper of sweet oak. Contains 2% Merlot. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 3100 cases made. Cost: $185. click to buy.

2021 Larkmead Vineyards “Solari” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of licorice and black cherry, with a hint of woodsmoke and dried herbs. In the mouth, juicy flavors of black cherry, licorice root, earth, and dried herbs are wrapped in a micro-fleece blanket of tannins, as fresh acidity accompanies dried herbs and licorice flavors that linger through the finish. Dark, distinctive but quite well balanced. Powerful and compelling. Aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. Organically produced. 14.7% alcohol. 1202 cases made. Cost: $200. click to buy.

2021 Marciano Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of rich black cherry and cassis. In the mouth, black cherry and black plum flavors are rich but bright with acidity. There’s a faint licorice root bitterness that lingers in the finish, with supple, fleecy tannins that coat the mouth. Kosher (Non-Mevushal) Includes 4% Cabernet Franc. 14.8% alcohol. Cost: $324. click to buy.

2021 Marciano Estate “Terra Gratia” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry fruit with hints of cola and chocolate. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and cola flavors have a nice brightness to them and excellent acidity that keeps things juicy. Delicious with almost creamy tannins that buff the edges of the mouth. Kosher (Non-Mevushal. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. 14.8% alcohol. Cost: $180. click to buy.

2021 Meteor Vineyard “Perseid” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville
Very dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of blueberry and black cherry with a hint of sage. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and blackberry flavors are wrapped in a fuzzy fist of tannins that gradually squeezes the palate. Excellent acidity keeps the saliva flowing, and a nice earthy note lingers in the finish. Aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 14.7% alcohol. 250 cases made. Cost: $160. click to buy.

2021 Neal Family Vineyards “Howell Mountain Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, blueberries, and flowers. In the mouth, excellent acidity makes ripe flavors of cherry and black cherry quite juicy and dynamic, as thick muscular tannins wrap around the core of the wine. Notes of fresh herbs linger in the finish along with a hint of licorice and blueberry. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. Organically and biodynamically produced. 14.5% alcohol. 975 cases made. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Seven Apart “Expedition” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky garnet in color, this wine smells of faintly meaty black cherry and blackberry. In the mouth, black cherry and black plum mix with a faint bit of olive brine and blueberries as a cloud of velvety tannins coats the mouth. Excellent acidity keeps the ripe fruit from feeling heavy on the palate, but this is definitely what some refer to as a teeth-staining rich wine. Nicely balanced despite the richness and prodigious alcohol. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot aged for 18 months in 43% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 15.2% alcohol. 1793 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.67 kg when full. Cost: $185. click to buy.

2021 Signorello Estate “PADRONE” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, tobacco leaf, blueberries, and plums. In the mouth, black cherry and plum flavors have a juicy brightness thanks to fantastic acidity. Muscular but supple tannins coat the mouth and exert some pressure on the palate, but the fruit, boisterous and bright, lingers with notes of herbs and flowers in the finish. Excellent. Fermented with ambient yeasts. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec aged for 19 months in 55% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Organically produced. 14.5% alcohol. 1235 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.64 kg when full. Cost: $250. click to buy.

2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, sweet oak, and green herbs. In the mouth, gorgeous black cherry and blackcurrant flavors mix with chopped green herbs, sweet toasted oak, and a hint of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins coat the mouth and flex their muscles over time. Gorgeous balance and excellent acidity. The oak is fairly well integrated at the moment, but in 3-4 years this wine will truly be singing. 14.3% alcohol. Cost: $65. click to buy.

2021 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “S.L.V.” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of black cherry, licorice, and a hint of wood smoke. In the mouth, rich and bright black cherry and black plum flavors are juicy with excellent acidity and wrapped in velvety tannins that gradually stiffen with time. Rich and ripe, but nicely balanced, with nice freshness and a hint of dried herbs lingering in the finish. Aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak. 14.8% alcohol. 2250 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.66 kg when full. Cost: $250. click to buy.

2021 Stewart Cellars “Tartan” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, plum, and cola. In the mouth, bright black cherry and plum flavors mix with dried herbs and a touch of licorice as fleecy tannins coat the mouth, notes of oak emerge on the finish but are generally very well integrated into the wine, balanced with the rich fruit. Notes of licorice root linger in the finish. Excellent acidity. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec, 15% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot aged for 22 months in 65% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. Packaged in an unusually heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $70. click to buy.

2021 Stringer Cellars “Ghost Block” Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak and black cherry fruit. In the mouth, rich, extracted black cherry fruit has a nice brightness thanks to excellent acidity, with notes of blueberries and a touch of dried herbs. Thick, mouth-coating tannins stiffen over time. Dark and rich, but nicely balanced, with well-integrated oak. Organically produced. Aged in 50% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 14.5% alcohol. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.55 kg when full. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Teachworth Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain District
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of faintly meaty cherry and plum aromas with a hint of flowers. In the mouth, juicy cherry and plum flavors mix with cola and a nice floral quality as dusty tannins coat the entirety of the mouth. Excellent acidity keeps things fresh, and the moderate extraction makes for an easy-drinking, beautifully balanced mouthful. Notes of herbs in the finish. Aged for 25 months in 70% new French oak. 13.5% alcohol. 250 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.57 kg when full. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Tierra Roja Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Dark, inky purple in the glass, this wine smells of crushed blackcurrants and black cherries. In the mouth, sweetish black cherry and blackcurrant flavors are wonderfully supple on the palate and rich without a lot of weight to them. The tannins are incredibly supple and hang in the background letting the fruit do the talking. Very good acidity. Barrel fermented in 75% new French oak and then aged for 20 months. 14.8% alcohol. 250 cases made. Comes in an unnecessarily heavy bottle weighing 1.64 kg when full. Cost: $185. click to buy.

Wines With a Score Around 9

2021 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of mocha, cedar, and cherry. In the mouth, grippy tannins surround a core of cherry and cedar shot through with the sweetness of new oak and a hint of brown sugar or root beer. Fine-grained tannins coat the mouth and squeeze the palate a little, slightly drying the mouth and leaving a toasty note in the finish. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. 25% of the wine was barrel fermented in 30% new French oak, and the rest in stainless. Aged for 21 months in 30% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 3542 cases made. Cost: $145. click to buy.

2021 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, earth, graphite, and a hint of espresso. In the mouth, muscular tannins surround a core of juicy black cherry and plum fruit shot through with pencil lead and dried herbs. Notes of faintly bitter dried herbs linger in the finish as the tannins stiffen and slightly dry the mouth. Excellent acidity. Fruit comes from two vineyards in Coombsville. Aged for 19 months in 69% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 14.9% alcohol. 291 cases made. Cost: $200. click to buy.

2021 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of sweet oak, mocha, and brown sugar. In the mouth, sweetish flavors of black cherry and mocha are juicy and bright with good acidity but just slightly oversweet on the palate, leaving me wondering about the level of residual sugar in this wine. Leaving that aside for the moment, the fruit is bright and pure, and the tannins are fine and restrained. Excellent acidity. Contains 12% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 2380 cases made. Cost: $90. click to buy.

2021 Battuello Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of dark cherry fruit with a hint of blueberry and mocha. In the mouth, smooth fine tannins wrap around a core of black cherry and blueberry flavors as hints of dried herbs and mocha linger in the finish. Excellent acidity, with very well-integrated oak. 14.4% alcohol. 135 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.73 kg when full. Cost: $110. click to buy.

2021 Bennett Lane “Lynch Family Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells faintly of struck match, mocha, and black cherry. In the mouth, bright cherry and plum fruit mixes with roasted nuts and cedar. Excellent acidity keeps the saliva flowing as muscular, fine-grained tannins gradually tighten their grip on the palate. Notes of honey-roasted nuts and mocha linger in the finish. Excellent acidity. Aged for 21 months in 30% new French oak. Fined with isinglass and sterile filtered. 14.8% alcohol. 225 cases made. Cost: $160. click to buy.

2021 Complant “UC Davis South Station Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, tobacco leaf, and flowers. In the mouth, wonderfully mouthwatering flavors of cherry, orange peel, dried herbs, and flowers are wrapped in a gauzy haze of fine-grained tannins that stiffen only slightly as the wine finishes with citrus peel brightness. Very pretty. 14.2% alcohol. Cost: $115. click to buy.

2021 Davies Vineyards “J. Davies Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of sweet oak and black cherry. In the mouth, aromatically sweet flavors of oak and cherry mix with brown sugar and cedar, but the oak eventually dominates the palate of this wine, despite excellent acidity. Very supple, fine-grained tannins give this wine a refined quality, but I just wish I tasted the fruit more than the wood. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc grown between 500 and 1000 feet of elevation. Aged for 20 months in 60% new French oak. 15% alcohol. 1000 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $150. click to buy.

2021 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, mocha, and a hint of cola. In the mouth, cherry and cola flavors are shot through with licorice root and dried herbs as fleecy tannins coat the mouth. Excellent acidity makes for a juicy fresh quality on the palate, but the tannins do dry the mouth, leaving a somewhat parched quality, even though you don’t taste the oak so much as feel it. Includes 5% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 100,000 cases made. Cost: $80. click to buy.

2021 Flora Springs “Wild Boar” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet black cherry, vanilla, and blackcurrant. In the mouth, smooth black cherry and cola flavors have a faint sweetness to them as notes of vanilla and mocha linger in the finish with hints of wood. Very supple, fine-grained tannins and very good acidity make for a sensual mouthfeel. 14.2% alcohol. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.67 kg when full. Cost: $150. click to buy.

2021 Flora Springs “Trilogy” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet cherry, blackcurrant, and sweet oak. In the mouth, blueberry and black cherry fruit flavors are ripe and juicy with excellent acidity and the sweet vanilla of new oak. Lightly drying tannins add texture to the wine, as the sweet fruit and sweet oak linger in the finish. Very polished. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec. 14.2% alcohol. Cost: $95. click to buy.

2021 Foley Johnson Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Inky, opaque garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry and blackberry fruit. In the mouth cherry, blackberry, and cola flavors are wrapped in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins that gradually stiffens as the wine moves across the palate. The acidity is excellent, keeping the fruit bright and mouthwatering, but the wine leaves an overall brawny impression on the palate. 14.9% alcohol. 1400 cases made. Cost: $85. click to buy.

2021 Frog’s Leap “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, earth, dried herbs, and a hint of saddle leather. In the mouth, stony black cherry and earth flavors mix with cola and dried herbs as excellent acidity accompanies a fresh, chopped herb quality that lingers in the finish. Tannins are very fine here, and athletic in their musculature, remaining supple across the palate. More medium-bodied, with a nice taut refinement. Contains 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged 20 months in new to 5-year-old French Oak barrels. No more than 10% new French oak. Two to three rackings were performed during aging. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Organically produced. 13.8% alcohol. 7100 cases made. Cost: $75. click to buy.

2021 Kenefick Ranch Winery “Chris’s Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of candied cherry and plum. In the mouth, bright ripe cherry and plum flavors have a nice brightness thanks to excellent acidity. Faintly fleecy tannins are nicely restrained, leaving bright acidity and fruit to do their work. Slightly candied, but pretty. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak. 15% alcohol. 580 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $80. click to buy.

2021 La Jota Vineyard Co. Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
Inky opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, pipe tobacco, and sweet oak. In the mouth, juicy flavors of black cherry and licorice are wrapped in a thick, fleecy blanket of tannins that gradually puts the squeeze on the palate. Excellent acidity keeps the wine fresh and balances the intense ripeness of the fruit. Sweet oak lingers in the finish. Grown between 1700 and 1820 feet of elevation. 15.1% alcohol. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.64 kg when full. Cost: $195. click to buy.

2021 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherries, chopped herbs, and a hint of cola. In the mouth, juicy and bright cherry and black plum flavors are shot through with chopped herbs and wrapped in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins. Excellent acidity keeps things quite fresh, as sweet oak flavors emerge to somewhat dominate the fruit in the finish. There’s a nice balance here, despite the preponderance of oak, so this should improve with time. Contains 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. 14.6% alcohol. 335 cases made. Cost: $200. click to buy.

2021 Ladera Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and blackberry. In the mouth, fleecy tannins wrap around a core of black cherry, cola, and blackcurrant. Fresh chopped herb notes accompany brisk acidity as notes of licorice root and black plum linger in the finish with a touch of mocha. Aged for 22 months in 88% new French oak. 14.6% alcohol. 189 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $159.

2021 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of brambly black cherry and blackberry. In the mouth, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors are wrapped tightly in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins that stiffens to grip the palate pretty tightly as black cherry and chopped herbs linger in the finish. Needs some time, but there’s excellent acidity here and a nice balance. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. 15% alcohol. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.64 kg when full. Cost: $225. click to buy.

2021 Mount Brave Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder
Inky, opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and blackberry fruit. In the mouth, intense black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors are wrapped in a thick, fleecy blanket of tannins. The fruit is so rich, it holds the oak well, with only the faint drying and stiffening of the tannins, plus a hint of pencil lead hinting at wood. Excellent acidity keeps the fruit from feeling heavy and overall delivers a very balanced wine despite its 15.1% alcohol. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $130. click to buy.

2021 PATEL – Napa Valley “Coombsville” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville
Opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherries, flowers, and black plum. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and black plum flavors mix with cola and dried herbs as muscular tannins coat the mouth and grip the palate firmly. Excellent acidity keeps things fresh, but the tannins are slightly more drying than I would like. Destemmed and fermented in stainless. Aged for 9 months in 100% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 14.7% alcohol. 150 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.56 kg when full. Cost: $165. click to buy.

2021 Round Pond Estate “Gravel Series ‘Secret Garden'” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherries, blueberries, and sweet oak. In the mouth, juicy bright cherry and black cherry fruit mixes with a hint of blueberry. Muscular tannins stiffen to squeeze the palate as cherry and sweet oak linger in the finish. Excellent acidity. Maybe slightly more oak than I would like here, but a pretty wine, and fairly well-balanced for its ripeness. Aged in 85% new French oak for 20 months. 15.2% alcohol. 299 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $250. click to buy.

2021 Rutherford Hill Winery “AJT Collection” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and cola nut with hints of crushed hazelnuts. In the mouth, bright cherry and black cherry fruit flavors mix with a hint of cola and dried herbs as excellent acidity keeps things fresh and bright. The fine-grained tannins gain muscle and weight as the wine moves across the palate, eventually exerting quite a squeeze as the wine finishes with a hint of licorice root and sweet oak. Wait a couple of years. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. 14.2% alcohol. 366 cases made. Cost: $65. click to buy.

2021 Silverado Vineyards “SOLO” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, plum, and cedar. In the mouth, black cherry and plum fruit has a nice freshness thanks to excellent acidity, and hints of dried and fresh herbs that linger in the finish along with a touch of licorice root. Muscular tannins coat the mouth and remain supple even as they flex their muscles. 14.1% alcohol. 600 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $180. click to buy.

2021 Snowden Vineyards “Brothers Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, cola, and dried herbs. In the mouth, juicy black cherry and black plum flavors mix with cola and dried and fresh herbs as fine-grained tannins coat the mouth and show their muscles. Nice acidity keeps this wine fresh and boisterous. Quite balanced and not at all indicative of its 15% alcohol. Grown at 825 feet of elevation on volcanic rhyolite soils. Contains 1% Petit Verdot. Fermented with ambient yeasts and then aged for 19 months in 30% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Organically produced. 15% alcohol. 332 cases made. Cost: $110. click to buy.

2021 Spottswoode “Lyndenhurst” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, sweet oak, flowers, and licorice. In the mouth, extremely fine-grained, lightly muscular tannins wrap around a core of black cherry and black currant flavors shot through with sweet oak. Excellent acidity. The tannins stiffen a little with time, and notes of citrus peel emerge on the finish. There’s such a wonderful seamlessness to the tannins here that is quite compelling. While this wine is an earlier release for the estate, I think this vintage is going to dramatically benefit from some more aging in the bottle. Open this in a couple of years for the full experience. 13.9% alcohol. Certified B Corp. 1% for the Planet. Cost: $110. click to buy.

2021 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of fresh cherry and black plum. In the mouth, juicy cherry and plum flavors are bright with excellent acidity and wrapped in an athletic fist of tannins that gradually flexes its muscles as the wine finishes with cherry and cola notes. Excellent acidity. A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot aged for 18 months in 45% new French oak. Napa Green certified sustainable. 14.5% alcohol. 5703 cases made. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2021 The Debate “Beckstoffer To Kalon” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet black cherry, licorice, and violets. In the mouth, rich black cherry and black plum flavors mix with licorice, violets, and a touch of sweet oak. Excellent acidity keeps this wine quite fresh, despite its rich extraction, and it remains very well balanced despite its 15.3% alcohol. Rich, ripe, and broad-shouldered, with muscular but toned tannins. If you like ’em big, this one’s for you. 100% barrel fermented with 21 days on the skins. Aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 15.8% alcohol. 82 cases made. Cost: $295. click to buy.

2021 The Vice “Closer To God” Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of cherry, plum, and cola. In the mouth, bright cherry fruit mixes with cola notes and hints of fresh herbs, as bright acidity and a moderate level of extraction make for an easy drinking, if slightly high-toned expression of Cabernet. Cherry and sweet oak notes linger in the finish as supple tannins squeeze the palate. Aged for 30 months in 30% new French oak, with an additional 9 months in bottle before release. Bottled unfiltered. 14.8% alcohol. 250 cases made. Cost: $100. click to buy.

2021 Tres Sabores “Rutherford Perspective” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Opaque garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, a touch of black olive, and earth. In the mouth, black olive, chopped herbs, earth, and dried flowers are wrapped in a fleecy blanket of tannins. Excellent acidity keeps the wine fresh and bright on the palate, as earthy herbal notes linger with black cherry in the finish. Aged for 21 months in 30% new French oak. No fining. Filtered before bottling. Organically produced with a no-till approach. 14.6% alcohol. Cost: $124. click to buy.

Wines With a Score Between 8.5 and 9

2021 Amici Cellars “Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet toasted oak and mocha. In the mouth, mocha and vanilla notes surround a rich core of ripe dark cherry fruit. Good acidity keeps the wine from being heavy on the palate, though the tannins coat the mouth and flex their muscles considerably. There’s a slightly high-toned quality to this wine that combined with the domineering quality of the tannins leaves something of a hollowness on the mid palate. Contains 11% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. Organically produced. Bottled unfiltered. 14.5% alcohol. 100 cases made. Cost: $250. click to buy.

2021 Axios “WORTHY – Sophia’s Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of sweet oak and dark berries. In the mouth, very juicy cherry and plum fruit has a hint of licorice and blackberry to it as sweet oak and its thick tannins swoop in to cover the palate and fill the mouth. Oak dominates the finish. The fruit was so pretty, it’s a shame there’s so much oak here covering it up. Excellent acidity and balance. Contains 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot. Aged for 22 months in 66% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 14.5% alcohol. 3400 cases made. Cost: $41. click to buy.

2021 Ballentine Vineyards “Fig Tree Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherries and plums with a hint of brown sugar. In the mouth, juicy cherry and plum fruit flavors are wrapped in a fleecy blanket of tannins that gradually stiffens around the palate. Notes of sweet cedar and cola emerge on the finish. Excellent acidity. Contains 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. 15.9% alcohol. 100 cases made. Cost: $95. click to buy.

2021 Brandlin Estate “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, tobacco leaf, and mocha. In the mouth, cherry and cola flavors are wrapped in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins as juicy acidity makes the mouth water and notes of cedar and vanilla linger in the finish. The tannins gradually parch the mouth, and in combination with notes of wood on the finish, leave an impression of too much oak influence here. Contains 9% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak. Napa Green certified sustainable. 14.5% alcohol. 1316 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.55 kg when full. Cost: $110. click to buy.

2021 Bravante Vineyards “Stone Ridge” Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of struck match and sweet cherry fruit. In the mouth, that faintly sulfurous note continues with cherry and cola flavors mixing with a faint salinity and notes of green herbs and mocha. The tannins are muscular and tight, coating the mouth with a powdery sensation. Very good acidity. Contains 5% Malbec and 2.5% Petit Verdot. Aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 14.7% alcohol. 80 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.78 kg when full. Cost: $150.

2021 Crosby Roamann Wines “Bon Ton” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and earth. In the mouth, black cherry, blackberry, and wet earth flavors have a distinctly savory quality along with hints of dried herbs and licorice root. Putty-like tannins gain strength over time. Very good acidity. 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 35% Syrah, and 15% Zinfandel. 14.1% alcohol. Cost: $36. click to buy.

2021 Freemark Abbey “Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Inky opaque garnet in color with purple highlights, this wine smells of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry fruit. Thick, powdery tannins coat the mouth, and form a muscular fist around a core of black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry fruit. As the wine moves across the palate, the tannins dry the mouth considerably, but the acidity keeps the rich black cherry fruit from being too heavy on the palate. The oak shows up in the drying tannins more than the flavor of the wine, but it’s still just a bit too much. The fruit has a lovely purity though. Includes 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Ages for 25 months in 64% new French oak. 14.8% alcohol. 1500 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $225. click to buy.

2021 Hajdu Wines Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of rich black cherry, cocoa powder, and oak. In the mouth, black cherry and plum mix with cedar and cocoa powder. Notes of toasted oak, cherry, and chocolate linger in the finish. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Montepulciano aged for 14 months in 40% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 250 cases. Cost: $85. click to buy.

2021 Honig Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark, nearly opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, cola, and graphite. In the mouth, rich black cherry, cola, and earth flavors are wrapped in a thick, fleecy blanket of tannins that coats the mouth and stiffens as notes of fresh herbs join the fruit. Excellent acidity keeps things fresh, but the tannins are pretty big here and need some time in the bottle. Notes of sweet oak linger in the finish. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Merlot, 4.6% Malbec, 2.4% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, and 1.2% Petite Sirah. Aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak, between 20 and 25% new. 14.9% alcohol. 15000 cases made. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2021 Hudson Cabernet Sauvignon, Los Carneros
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells faintly of struck match before aromas of black cherry and blueberry take over. In the mouth, powdery tannins coat every nook and cranny of the palate as fresh black cherry and blueberry flavors have a nice juiciness thanks to excellent acidity. The tannins begin to dry the mouth over time, leaving a parched sensation that interferes with the enjoyment of the fruit. There’s just too much wood here. Bottled unfiltered. Represents the first 100% estate-grown Cabernet released by the estate in its history. 14.9% alcohol. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Jericho Canyon Vineyard “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of Chinese plum candy, licorice, and dark black cherry. In the mouth, fleecy tannins surround a core of herbal licorice and black cherry fruit with hints of prune and an aromatic herbal underbrush quality that is difficult to pin down. The tannins dry the mouth slightly and stiffen with time. The wine comes across as a bit brawny and chewy but has a unique character. Very good acidity. Spends 20 months in 100% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 15.1% alcohol. 200 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.62 kg when full. Cost: $200. click to buy.

2021 John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of baking spices, struck match, and somewhat meaty cherry aromas. In the mouth, the wine has a faintly saline, umami quality that pervades cherry and cedar flavors with hints of spices and leather. Suede-like tannins coat the mouth, and good acidity keeps things moving on the palate. The tannins gain weight and muscle with time, weighing heavily on the palate. This is a wine that needs some time. Contains 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Syrah. Aged in 44% new French oak for 22 months. 15.2% alcohol. 1000 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.64 kg when full. Cost: $85. click to buy.

2021 McKahn Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, herbs, and dusty earth. In the mouth, dusty, muscular tannins wrap around a core of black cherry and plum tinged with dried herbs. The tannins stiffen with time, and slightly dry the mouth. Excellent acidity keeps things fresh. Aged for 23 months in 80% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 50 cases made. Cost: $105. click to buy.

2021 Moone-Tsai “Hillside Blend” Red Blend, Howell Mountain
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, iodine, and blackberry. In the mouth, rich black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors are wrapped in a double-thick fleece blanket of tannins. There’s just enough acidity to keep this wine from being heavy, but you can’t mistake the ripe power of the wine. A bit too rich for my taste. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. 15.2% alcohol. Cost: $170. click to buy.

2021 O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of black cherry, earth, and blueberries. In the mouth, black cherry, tobacco leaf, earth, and a touch of cola flavor are all wrapped tightly in a massive fleecy fist of tannins that squeezes the palate fiercely and slightly dries the mouth. Massive and brawny with excellent acidity but definitely needs some time in the bottle. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Carmenere, and 2% St. Macaire. Aged for 24 months in French oak and then another year in bottle before release. Bottled unfiltered. 14.8% alcohol. 2845 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.54 kg when full. Cost: $115. click to buy.

2021 Patent Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak and dark berry fruit. In the mouth, bright cherry and plum flavors mix with sweet oak and lightly grippy tannins. Made in a slightly lighter, less extracted style, the wine offers lots of freshness and excellent acidity, but has perhaps a bit too much oak influence for my taste, as the tannins stiffen and dry out the palate. Aged for 24 months in 80% new French oak. Organically produced. 14.2% alcohol. 350 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.61 kg when full. Cost: $75. click to buy.

2021 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and blackcurrant. In the mouth, plush muscular tannins grasp a core of black cherry and blackberry fruit that has orange peel notes and excellent acidity. Hints of dried herbs linger in the finish with a touch of licorice root. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $. click to buy.

2021 Raymond Vineyards “Generations” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of sweet black cherry and boysenberry fruit with notes of sweet toasted oak. In the mouth, sweet oak and cherry fruit mix with cola and blackberry notes as fine-grained tannins coat the mouth and squeeze (and slightly dry) the palate. Notes of sweet oak linger in the finish. Excellent acidity, but slightly more oak influence here than I would like. Aged for 19 months in French oak. 15% alcohol. 1258 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $195. click to buy.

2021 Stardust Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit. In the mouth, rich black cherry and blackberry fruit have a touch of sweetness and a brightness thanks to excellent acidity. Ripe and extracted, but balanced by that juicy acidity, with muscular tannins that coat the mouth. Big and burly, but not without some charm and balance, despite its prodigious alcohol. Aged for 27 months in 60% new French oak, before bottling unfined and unfiltered. Aged an additional 36 months before release. 15.1% alcohol. 100 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $100. click to buy.

2021 Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of oak and black cherries. In the mouth, rich black cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice flavors battle with sweet oak flavors for attention. Very good acidity keeps things fresh, but there’s just a lot of wood to wade through to get to the fruit. The tannins are muscular and slightly drying. Cellar for at least 3–5 years. 14.5% alcohol. Packaged in an unusually heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $85. click to buy.

2021 Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Inky opaque garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of sweet black cherries and blackberries. In the mouth, black cherry compote and blackberry fruit flavors have a nice brightness thanks to very good acidity and thick tannins that coat the mouth and squeeze the palate. Rich and ripe, with well-integrated oak. Aged for 19 months in 80% new French oak. 14.8% alcohol. 194 cases made. Cost: $165. click to buy.

2021 The Wine Foundry Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak, cocoa powder, and berries. In the mouth, sweet cherry and candied nuts mix with dried herbs and cooked plums. Excellent acidity keeps fruit bright as sweet oak and crushed nuts linger in the finish. Powdery, fine tannins. Aged 28 months in 80% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 114 cases made. Cost: $120.

2021 Truchard Vineyards “Cave Block” Cabernet Sauvignon, Los Carneros
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of wet earth, black cherry, and black plum. In the mouth, black cherry, black plum, cola, and licorice root mix with dried herbs as muscular drying tannins coat the mouth. I’d like the tannins to be a little less aggressive here, but the freshness of the fruit and bright acidity are quite appealing. Aged for 20 months in 45% new French oak. 14.2% alcohol. 175 cases made. Cost: $75.

Wines With a Score Around 8.5

2021 AXR Napa Valley “AxR1” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells faintly of struck match and dark cherry fruit. In the mouth, muscular tannins coat the mouth and immediately begin to squeeze the palate as flavors of cherry, cedar, and blackcurrant mix with dried herbs. The tannins dry the mouth, leaving a parched sensation on the palate, and giving the impression of just too much wood influence. Excellent acidity though. Barrel fermented, then aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. 14.3% alcohol. 791 cases made. Cost: $305.

2021 Baldacci Family Vineyards “Black Label” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
Very dark garnet in color, this wine smells of sweet black cherry, blackberry, and oak. In the mouth, juicy flavors of black cherry and blackberry have a faint oak sweetness to them. Fine-grained tannins coat the mouth and gradually stiffen as the wine finishes with a cherry and grape candy quality along with the sweetness of oak. A little confectionery in quality, and more wood influence than I would like. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 1042 cases made. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Baldacci Family Vineyards “Fraternity” Red Blend, Napa Valley
Inky, opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak and black cherry. In the mouth, sweet oak fights for attention with dark black cherry and blackcurrant flavors. Sweet fruit, sweet oak, and drying tannins that start to suck the moisture out of the mouth. Overdone. An unspecified blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Merlot. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $80. click to buy.

2021 Bougetz Cellars “Prominence Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak and cherries. In the mouth, cherry and sweet oak flavors are wrapped in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins that immediately begins to suck the moisture out of the mouth, leaving the palate parched as sweet toasted oak flavors compete with cherry and plum fruit for attention. Very good acidity. A blend of fruit from Pritchard Hill and Mount Veeder. Contains 1.5% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 14.9% alcohol. 80 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.68 kg when full. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Bread & Butter Wines Napa Red Blend, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine has a nutty cherry aroma with hints of sweet oak. In the mouth, bright cherry flavors mix with a hint of hazelnuts and cocoa powder as good acidity keeps things fresh. Slightly high-toned with thick muscular tannins. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Petite Sirah. Aged 18 months in 40% new French oak. 15.1% alcohol. 120 cases made. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2021 Gibbs Napa Valley “Selection Series” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of candied blueberries and black cherry. In the mouth, sweetish flavors of blueberry, black cherry, and cola are wrapped in suede-like tannins that dry the mouth. Combined with the relatively high-toned fruit, this wine comes across a bit candied and hollow. Very good acidity. Some heat on the finish, despite relatively moderate alcohol. Ages for 30 months in 60% new French oak. 14.4% alcohol. 184 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.79 kg when full. Cost: $60.

2021 Hagafen Cellars “Don Ernesto Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black plum, herbs, and licorice. In the mouth, fleecy tannins surround a core of licorice, blackberry, and chopped herbs. The tannins dry the mouth slightly as orange peel and potpourri linger with cherry compote in the finish. Dark and rich, but with enough acidity not to feel heavy. Ages for 32 months in French oak. 14.2% alcohol. 200 cases made. Cost: $90.

2021 JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset “Wappo Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak, black cherry, and cola. In the mouth, sweet oak somewhat dominates flavors of black cherry and cola. Excellent acidity keeps things zippy and mouthwatering, but the oak flavor dominates, as do the tannins which dry the mouth slightly and stiffen with time. Comes across as slightly disjointed, no matter the brightness of the fruit. A touch of heat in the finish. Aged for 19 months in 24% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 14.5% alcohol. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.64 kg when full. Cost: $255.

2021 Michael Mondavi Family Estate “Animo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, blackcurrant, and pencil lead. In the mouth, rich and sweet black cherry and black plum flavors are wrapped in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins that dries the mouth. Very good acidity keeps things bright and fresh but the tannins are a bit too drying for my taste. A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot aged for 21 months in 45% new French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 488 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.66 kg when full. Cost: $90. click to buy.

2021 Oakville Ranch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of toasted oak and sweet black cherry. In the mouth, sweetish cherry and black plum flavors mix with sweet oak as thick, powdery tannins coat the mouth. Good acidity and hints of honey-roasted nuts linger in the finish along with the dark fruit that takes on a slightly blueberry quality. Contains 6.5% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 21 months in 50% new French oak. Organically produced. Bottled unfiltered. 14.9% alcohol. 302 cases made. Cost: $125. click to buy.

2021 Revana Family Vineyard “St. Helena Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena
Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of rich black cherry with notes of molasses and sweet oak. In the mouth, rich, ripe, sweet black cherry flavors and strong sweet oak notes are wrapped in a thick felt blanket of tannins that squeezes and dries the palate. Brawny, ripe, and muscular, though with enough acidity to keep it from being truly hulking. Make no mistake, though, this is a big wine. Aged for 20 months in French oak. Organically produced. Bottled unfiltered. 14.7% alcohol. 1259 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $225. click to buy.

2021 Somnium “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon, Crystal Springs
Inky opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet cherry and blackberry fruit. In the mouth, extremely ripe and faintly sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit is backed by a massive tidal wave of tannin that coats the mouth and descends upon the palate to sit like a boulder around which sweet fruit flavors only sneak by into the finish. Simply too extracted I think to be truly enjoyable, despite decent acidity. Grown at 1300 feet of elevation. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. Organically produced. Bottled unfiltered. 14.5% alcohol. 297 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.73 kg when full. Cost: $185. click to buy.

2021 TEXTBOOK “Mise en Place” Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet toasted oak, roasted hazelnuts, and cherries. In the mouth, bright cherry and sweet oak flavors are wrapped in woody tannins that slightly dry the mouth. Good acidity keeps things fresh and lets the cherry and plum fruit be bright, but the sweet wood is too present here for my taste. Contains 9% Merlot. Aged for 20 months in 53% new French oak. 14.6% alcohol. 480 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.62 kg when full. Cost: $85. click to buy.

2021 Turnbull “Amoenus Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
Inky dark purple in the glass this wine smells of sweet black cherry and cassis. In the mouth, intense black cherry and cassis flavors are juicy with excellent acidity. The wine leans high-toned with black cherry, cassis, and candied plums. Faint, muscular tannins increase their grip a little over time. Seems faintly high-octane, leaving a touch of heat in the finish. 14.8% alcohol. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.63 kg when full. Cost: $145. click to buy.

Wines With a Score Between 8 and 8.5

2021 Buoncristiani Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry cola and oak. In the mouth, cherry and cola flavors are bright and fresh with excellent acidity but the oak tannins quickly parch the mouth and leave a woody quality on the palate that positively overwhelms the fruit. Contains 3% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged in 85% new French oak for 20 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 15% alcohol. 574 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.68 kg when full. Cost: $135.

2021 Malk Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry and boysenberry. In the mouth, sweetish cherry and boysenberry flavors have bright juicy acidity and lightly grippy tannins. Notes of cola and blueberry linger in the finish. Somewhat candied. Fermented whole cluster with ambient yeasts. Aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 290 cases made. Cost: $130.

2021 Markham Vineyards “Marked Parcels – Bryan’s Block” Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackberry and black cherry with a hint of toasted oak. In the mouth, black cherry, mocha, and espresso notes mix with a faintly bitter woody note as bright acidity keeps things fresh. Muscular tannins stay supple throughout. There’s definitely some alcoholic heat in the finish. Fermented in stainless with 30 days of extended maceration. Aged for 20 months in 67% new French oak. Certified Napa Green sustainable. 14.8% alcohol. 240 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.57 kg when full. Cost: $85.

2021 Maroon Wines “Special Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, oak, and dried licorice root. In the mouth, the wine comes across as medium-bodied, with flavors of cherry and oak, mixing with dried herbs and a touch of licorice. Muscular tannins slightly dry the mouth. There’s a bitter woodiness in the finish. Aged for 30 months in 66% new French oak. 14.6% alcohol. 420 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.59 kg when full. Cost: $174.

2021 Materra “Cunat Family Vineyards Hidden Block” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of mocha and sweet berries. In the mouth, sweet flavors of cherry and mocha mix with woody oak notes and hints of herbs. Very good acidity lends a freshness to the fruit, while putty-like tannins coat the mouth. A bit too sweet for my taste. Contains 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petite Sirah. Aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 965 cases made. Cost: $65.

2021 PEJU “Stained Glass Series – Persephone” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of chopped herbs, sweet oak, and cherry pie. In the mouth, sweetish cherry fruit is gripped in a vise of massively muscled tannins that dry the mouth and distract from the bright fruit and its juicy acidity. The tannins also dry the mouth creating a monumental impression that is a little hard to take. Aged for 18 months in a combination of 40% new French and American oak. 14.7% alcohol. Cost: $100.

2021 Priest Ranch “James Joshua” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet black cherry fruit. In the mouth, the wine is sweetish and candied with black cherry fruit gripped tightly in a muscular fist of tannins. Good acidity keeps things from feeling leaden on the palate, but there’s no avoiding the high-octane heat that lingers along with the drying tannins in the finish. Aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak. 15.6% alcohol. 122 cases made. Cost: $145.

Wines With a Score Around 8

2021 Castello di Amorosa “Butala” Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of crushed nuts and oak. In the mouth, sweetish flavors of cherry and hazelnuts mix with a touch of plum but aren’t particularly complex. Light fleecy tannins and decent acidity round out a wine that doesn’t have much dynamism on the palate. Ages for 10 months in 100% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 862 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.57 kg when full. Cost: $145.

2021 Grand Napa Vineyards “STONE CRIB” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blueberry and black cherry pastilles. In the mouth, candied blackcurrant and black cherry flavors are sweetish and high-toned and confectionery. Faint tannins are fine-grained. Decent acidity. Just too candied for my taste. Contains 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 160 cases made. Comes in a nasty, heavy bottle weighing 1.66 kg when full. Cost: $180.

2021 Kelly Fleming “Big Pour” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in the glass, this wine smells of raisins, black cherries, and roasted figs. In the mouth, rich and slightly sweet flavors of raisins, stewed cherries, roasted black figs, and licorice sit heavy on the palate as thick powdery tannins coat the mouth. Only moderate acidity means the wine lacks dynamism and comes across as a bit lumbering. 15% alcohol. Comes in an unnecessarily heavy bottle weighing 1.57 kg when full. Cost: $125.

2021 Lewis Cellars “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky, impenetrably opaque in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak and dark fruit. In the mouth, sweet oak, licorice, and candied black cherry fruit flavors are overwhelmed by wood flavors and thick tannins that suck the moisture out of the mouth and seem to pin the palate under a weighted fleece blanket. Sweetish, ripe and brawny. Overdone. Aged for 20 months in 88% new French oak. 15.5% alcohol. 2293 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.54 kg when full. Cost: $190.

2021 Maxville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Chiles Valley District
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of slightly grapey black cherry and plum. In the mouth, muscular tannins wrap around a core of black cherry and plum shot through with sweet oak. Notes of blackcurrant linger in the finish as the tannins dry the mouth, and leave an oaky quality in the finish. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petite Sirah aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months. 14.2% alcohol. 600 cases made. Comes in an overly heavy bottle weighing 1.55 kg when full. Cost: $110.

2021 Miner Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of boysenberries, herbs, and sweet oak. In the mouth, flavors of toasted oak overwhelm the fruit while thick, mouth-parching tannins suck the moisture out of the mouth. There’s just far too much wood happening here, to the detriment of any real pleasure from fruit. Decent acidity. Contains 10% Cabernet Franc. 14.1% alcohol. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.65 kg when full. Cost: $100.

2021 O’Brien Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in color with purple highlights, this wine smells of blackberry and black cherry compote with the hint of new sneakers. In the mouth, candied flavors of black cherry and blackberry are smothered in a thick fleecy layer of tannins that suck the moisture out of the mouth, leaving a sweet black cherry cough syrup quality on the palate replete with a little alcoholic heat. A blend of 76.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.9% Merlot, and 8.2% Cabernet Franc. Bottled unfiltered. 15.2% alcohol. Cost: $110.

2021 Rutherford Ranch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of sweet oak and dark cherry fruit. In the mouth, sweet oak and cherry compete for attention on the palate as the tannins suck all the moisture from the mouth, leaving a dry, woody flavor in the finish, despite the bright acidity. Overdone. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, and 7% Merlot aged for 14 months in a combination of French and American oak. 14.5% alcohol. 12723 cases made. Cost: $50.

2021 Sire Estate Wines “Houyi Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Opaque, inky garnet in the glass with dark purple highlights. In the mouth, sweet, ultra-ripe black cherry fruit and sweet oak have a heaviness and a weightiness on the palate, with softer acidity than I would like as massive, blocky tannins seem to crowd the palate and linger, leaden on the palate. There’s surprisingly no alcoholic heat to accompany this wine’s massive 15.9% alcohol, but the level of extraction is pretty daunting. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. Bottled unfiltered. 15.9% alcohol. 165 cases made. Comes in a nasty heavy bottle weighing 1.79 kg when full. Cost: $325.

2021 Sleeping Giant “Little Giant Lamonica Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of candied cherries and sweet oak. In the mouth, the wine has a cherry and oak sweetness but feels a bit narrow on the palate, compressed between thick, woody tannins that suck the moisture from the mouth. Decent acidity, but either to much wood or too much extraction. My guess is the latter since this wine is aged in only 45% new French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 400 cases made. Cost: $85.

Wines With a Score Between 7.5 and 8

2021 Tom Eddy Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet toasted oak layered over cherry jam. In the mouth, sweet oak dominates the palate and all but crowds out the sweet cherry fruit that has a jammy quality. Just too much new oak here to do much of anything with, with tannins drying the mouth and candied cherry notes lingering in the finish. Aged for 36 months in 75% new French oak. 15.4% alcohol. 195 cases made. Cost: $195.

Wines With a Score Around 7.5

2021 Hunter Glenn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Inky opaque garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of raisins and black cherry compote. In the mouth, chocolate-covered raisins and black cherry cough syrup flavours are high-toned and hollow, with thick muscular tannins that parch the mouth. There may be enough acidity here but the wine comes across as high-octane, candied, and out of balance. 14.9% alcohol. 73 cases made. Cost: $100.

2021 TATE Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder
Very dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet, toasted oak. In the mouth, sweet oak and sweet black cherry fruit compete for attention and dominance, with the oak ultimately winning, leaving the impression of a wood cocktail scented with berries more than a wine. Simply overdone. Comes from the Orleans block on Mount Veeder. Aged for 22 months in French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 155 cases made. Cost: $95.