Beaulieu Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Producer Tasting Note:

The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh, buoyant, and aromatic, offering lovely red berry fruits on the nose, supported by a lifted floral potpourri character and secondary aromas of stony minerality, crushed earth, and graphite. The palate is lithe and mouth pleasing with a supple texture that provides juicy black currant, cassis, black cherry, and blackberry compote notes alongside savory notes of chaparral sagebrush, dark chocolate, and cedar spice. Incredibly approachable upon release, this Cabernet is medium bodied with fine-grained, polished tannins that give freshness and vivacity with a poised structure, leading to a long and satisfying finish.

Sourcing the majority of the Cabernet from Napa Valley’s Rutherford, Calistoga and St. Helena appellations, the diverse soils and microclimates, as well as the various clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and cultivation techniques, contributed to this wine’s complex flavour profile. The balance of the blend was grown both in Beaulieu's estate vineyards and other quality vineyards of Napa Valley.

The 2021 season was joyous and welcomed after the challenges of previous vintages, producing exceptionally high-quality fruit, some of the best in recent years. The season resulted in wines of fantastic character, with amazing colour extraction, aromatic intensity, balance, and structure, that are equally lush and fruity. A tremendous year to taste the nuances and terroir distinction from around the valley.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Very aromatic and vivid with hints of ink, stone and blackberry with some black currant. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a fresh, juicy finish. Nice fluidity to it. Lovely texture at the end. 82% cabernet sauvignon with petite sirah and others, including touriga nacional. Drink or hold.”

94/100 points, James Suckling, January 2024

"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of boysenberry preserves, stewed plums, and dried mulberries, plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars and sauteed herbs. Full-bodied, the palate reveals plenty of black fruit preserves flavors with savory accents and a chewy texture, finishing with an herbal lift."

90/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, February 2025