2021 The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags' Leap District

94 Points "Beautiful, mellow and ripe red and black fruit is wrapped in an especially smooth texture of fine-grained, silky tannins for an elegant, charming, approachable expression that the Stags Leap District is known for. Made for many years from the Schweizer Vineyard. Drink or hold."
— Jim Gordon, February 2024

93 Points "Generous in feel, this offers up a big gush of boysenberry, plum and blackberry preserve flavors that fold in nicely, with licorice, apple wood and cocoa notes on the finish. Shows a dash of freshness, too. A crowd-pleaser Cab. Drink now through 2036. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."
— James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, November 2024

Aromas: Cherries, blueberry, herbs, floral and mineral elements
Flavors: Red fruit, dark chocolate, espresso, a touch of salinity
Body: Velvety on the palate with silky tannins and an incredibly lengthy finish

THE VINEYARD: Hills to the west and east of the Stags Leap District funnel breezes from the bay into the interior of the region, making this small but renowned AVA slightly cooler at night than other areas in Napa Valley. This subtle climate variation and the appellation's soils—comprised of old river sediments and loamy clay that limit the vigor of the vines—result in wines with a beautiful and focused flavor profile.

THE VINTAGE: The 2021 growing season was excellent and mild. After rains in January and February, the season remained dry. The weather was optimal at budbreak in April, bloom in May, and through the summer into harvest. A lower-than-average yield resulted in small, deeply concentrated grapes. The fruit was harvested by hand. The wine spent 23 days on the skins to maximize varietal character and complexity, and aged 20 months in French oak barrels (100% new) to ensure seamless integration of fruit, tannins, and oak.