2021 Rafael Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll

Our newest vineyard designated Cabernet, Rafael Vineyard was planted in the early 1980's by the Rafael family on rolling hills above Dry Creek on the west side of Napa.  Farmed by the same family every since, these mature vines make stout, dark and intense wines.  Similar in style to the wines made from Sleeping Lady Vineyard, the wines from Rafael are incredibly age-worthy and will benefit those with patience.  

96+Points Jeb Dunnuck

"From a new site for this team, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rafael Vineyard comes from old vines in the Oak Knoll region of the Valley that spent 20 months in 50% new oak. It has an old school, structured vibe as well as beautiful notes of darker fruits, black tea, graphite, and roasted coffee. It's concentrated, has a layered, mouth-filling texture, building tannins, and a great finish. Give this medium to full-bodied effort 2-4 years, if not a tad longer, and enjoy over the following two decades."

12-26-23  www.jebdunnuck.com

96 Points The Wine Independent

"Deep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Rafael Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon flies out with exuberant scents of black raspberries and kirsch followed by classic cedar and cassis scents plus a touch of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and bags of freshness supporting the black fruit and earthy flavors, finishing with a peppery kick. This comes from a single 40-year-old vineyard in Oak Knoll."

3-28-24 Lisa Perrotti-Brown