Napanook, Napa Valley, 2021
A more restrained, grown up and savoury nose than Othello, with a gripping tannic spine and a sense of greater complexity to come. Sweet earthy ripe tannins are swathed in dark, mineral inflected flavours; tobacco leaf, cacao bean, ground coffee, pencil lead comingle with sweet dark mountain berries. This is beautifully measured and poised. Gentle complexity and great balance.
critic reviews
The 2021 Napanook is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass with expressive notes of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries, and Morello cherries leading to an undercurrent of rosebud tea, cinnamon stick, and tilled soil with a waft of charcoal. The rich, concentrated, full-bodied palate delivers waves of black and blue fruit preserves supported by velvety tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and spicy. 3,000 cases were made.