St Supery Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Winery Background and History

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, located in the renowned Rutherford region of Napa Valley, is a 100% estate-grown, sustainably farmed winery. The estate comprises two main vineyards: the Rutherford Estate and the Dollarhide Estate Ranch. The latter spans over 1,530 acres, with 500 acres dedicated to vineyards, some of which are over 30 years old. St. Supéry is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards, with a focus on Bordeaux varietals.

Producer and Winemaker

The winemaking team at St. Supéry emphasizes sustainable farming practices and meticulous winemaking techniques to craft wines that express the distinct characteristics of their estate vineyards. Their dedication to quality and sustainability has earned them Napa Green certifications for both their vineyard and winery operations.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The 2021 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from both the Dollarhide Estate Vineyard and the Rutherford Estate Vineyard. The Dollarhide Estate, located in the northeastern hills of Napa Valley, features elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet above sea level, with seven different soil series and 13 soil variations. This diversity, along with unique microclimates, creates an ideal environment for Bordeaux grape varieties. The Rutherford Estate, situated on the valley floor, benefits from well-drained alluvial soils and a climate influenced by the nearby Napa River, contributing to the development of rich and complex fruit.

The 2021 growing season experienced extremely low rainfall, leading to an early harvest and lower yields. These conditions typically correspond to high-quality fruit, resulting in wines with opulent aromatics and tremendous persistence.

Grape Varietals

The 2021 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool morning hours and brought to the winery in half-ton bins. At the winery, clusters underwent a double sorting process: first by hand, followed by a small de-stemmer that removed stems before individual berries were sorted to ensure optimal quality. The berries were then delivered to fermenters for a period of skin contact. Warm fermentation temperatures and gentle cap maceration were employed to achieve the desired color and structure. After fermentation, the wine underwent extended maceration on the skins before final pressing. It was then transferred directly to 100% French oak barrels (45% new) for 18 months of maturation.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5%

Tasting Notes

This deeply hued wine presents aromas of Bing cherry, blackberry briar, and hints of fresh-cut pine, roast coffee, vanillin, and toasty oak. The palate is juicy and fresh, featuring ripe plum, currant, anise, black olive, and black pepper spice intertwined with cocoa and dusty fine-grained tannins. It is a classically structured Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a lingering, opulent finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. Its robust structure and rich flavors complement dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops, and beef bourguignon.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at approximately 18°C (64°F). Decanting for about an hour before serving is recommended to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic profile and complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential

With proper cellaring, the 2021 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon can develop additional complexity over the next 5-10 years, reaching its peak between 2026 and 2031.

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 93 points

• James Suckling: 91 points

Product Code: USSSPRWCAB2021ST001