Chimney Rock 2021 Stag's Leap Cabernet

Chimney Rock’s 2021 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is a quintessential expression of Napa Valley’s terroir, embodying the grace and elegance that has become synonymous with this iconic region. From the moment the wine is poured, its deep red color with a seductive purple hue hints at the complexity and depth waiting to unfold. On the nose, the wine captivates with a bouquet that is both intense and refined, showcasing rich aromas of black cherry and mocha, intertwined with subtle hints of mint and delicate floral undertones. These elements create an aromatic tapestry that is as inviting as it is sophisticated, setting the stage for the wine's luxurious journey across the palate.

On entry, the 2021 Stag's Leap Cabernet envelops the senses with its lush and polished texture. Black cherry flavors immediately take center stage, delivering a pure and concentrated fruit profile that is both vibrant and nuanced. As the wine moves through the midpalate, it reveals a luscious and creamy texture, with ripe, building tannins that are remarkably well-integrated. The minerality inherent in this wine adds a layer of complexity, enhancing the purity of the red and black fruit flavors. This wine’s balanced acidity provides a refreshing lift, ensuring that each sip is as lively as it is rich.

As the wine evolves, notes of açaí, mulberry, and cassis glide seamlessly across the palate, underscored by alluring hints of violet, iris, and anise. The tannin structure is supple and round, contributing to the wine’s graceful finish. A touch of melted licorice emerges on the finish, adding a final flourish of complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit. The chalky, slightly chewy tannins lend a satisfying grip, leaving a lasting impression long after the wine has been savored.

This 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chimney Rock is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the Stags Leap District. The inclusion of 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and trace amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec contribute to its depth and complexity, while the oak aging provides just the right amount of background support without dominating the fruit. The result is a wine that is not only polished and sleek but also full of character and charm. Perfectly balanced, it offers a harmonious blend of bright fruit, fine tannins, and a lingering finish that will undoubtedly age gracefully for years to come.

Alcohol: 14%

95 POINTS - "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and minuscule percentages of Petit Verdot and Malbec that's all from estate fruit in the Stags Leap District. It offers a pure, medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant style as well as tons of minerality in its red and black fruits, ripe, building tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and just a kiss of background oak." - Jim Dunnuck

94 POINTS - "Super lush and polished in feel, with creamy-textured açaí, mulberry and cassis notes gliding through slowly. Laced with alluring hints of violet, iris and anise, this offers a melted licorice note on the finish, but the fruit wins out easily." - Wine Spectator

93 POINTS - "Attractive aromas of blackcurrants, walnuts, spiced cedar and black olives. Full and creamy yet polished and sleek with bright fruit and fine, slightly chewy tannins. Chalky finish." - James Suckling

92 POINTS - "Chimney Rock's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is pretty textbook stuff, delivering black cherries and cassis dusted in dried earth and mixed spices. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and fine, not overpowering but rather elegant, with a long, lingering finish." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep red with purple hue. This Cabernet is abundant with aromas of black cherry, mocha, with subtle hints of mint and floral. This Cabernet is graceful and elegant with black cherry flavors on the entry. On the palate, this wine is luscious in the midpalate, while the tannin structure and finish are supple and round.