Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (75cl, 14.6%)

This is a 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags' Leap Winery, the estate founded in 1893 in the Stags Leap District. It is made from estate fruit together with grapes from selected Napa Valley growers, with a focus on valley-floor sites and cooler appellations within the valley. The 2021 season brought drought and low yields, which gave fruit with strong colour, aromatic intensity and balance. Some well-integrated oak adds baking-spice notes. The nose is bright with red berries, lavender and violet, with caramel, black pepper and clove. On the palate come dark plum, black cherry and redcurrant, with hibiscus and savoury lavender and bay laurel. The texture is soft and silky with velvety tannins, and the finish is long.