Cathiard Estate Vineyards is an idyllic location with 200 acres of Mayacamas hillside and Napa Valley floor vineyards. The rolling hillside vineyards extend to 500 feet in elevation with a spring fed reservoir near the top. The property is officially in St Helena but also straddles the Rutherford appellation with volcanic and sedimentary sub-soils.

This estate grown wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from volcanic and sedimentary sub-soils from the oldest hillside single vineyard at 1,200 feet in elevation. The average age of the vines is 35 years of age and it is aged for 18-20 months in 80% new French Oak.

Cathiard Estate has unveiled a masterwork in its 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage is a testament to both the winery’s storied heritage and its unwavering commitment to perfection. This opaque-garnet wine has an intoxicating bouquet that unfolds with nuances of graphite, crushed purple violets, and a whisper of cedar. There is a compact framework of blackberry compote, boysenberry puree and baking spices that never overshadow the purity of the fruit. Deeply intertwined in the core are savory hints of tobacco, tilled earth and dark espresso. On the palate, the wine is structured with a balance of power and finesse. The polished and well integrated tannins speak to the longevity of this wine without overwhelming its current allure. The finish is long and enduring as this bottling is destined to evolve for decades.

By W Peter Hoyne