“An elegant red, bright and silky on the palate, with vibrant acidity and supple tannins well-meshed with flavors of pureed mulberry, delicate dried thyme and anise, mandarin orange peel and a touch of fragrant smoke. Long and juicy on the finish. Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2034.”

“The nose is seduced by aromas of wild strawberries, purple plums, garrigue and damp earth. The palate provides additional complexity with layers of cassis, clove and stone. Youthful tannins beautifully integrate and are balanced by acidity, allowing this wine to be enjoyed now or cellar well through 2030+ before revisiting.”

“Fresh blackberries and black cherries mingle with rhubarb and violets on the nose. The palate is a bit restrained and straightforward with a firm stone finish. Tannins integrate well, making it a great pairing with complex dishes such as lamb tagine.”

One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn't get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.

The 2021 Napanook is one heck of a Napanook, offering complex notes of currants, cassis, graphite, leafy tobacco, lead pencil, and chocolate. Incredible on the palate, it s full-bodied and round, with supple, vibrant, incredible tannins. This is easily the finest vintage I've tasted of this cuvée and it s the equivalent of many a Grand Vin from other producers.