Jayson (Pahlmeyer) Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021

94 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "A seamless, balanced, classic Napa Cabernet with ample fruit weight balanced by a cooling freshness. Leads with red berry fruit laced with tobacco, cassis, cedar and sagebrush. A dusty tannin backbone with hints of chocolate and baking spices built to a toasty finish that grows bright with crushed purple florals. So inviting. Grape sources are William Hill in Napa, Stagecoach, Waters, Round Pond in Rutherford and Sun Lake in Pope Valley, along with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from the iconic Monte Rosso vineyard in Sonoma. It is aged 16 months in 72% new French oak. Drinking Window: 2024-2030. (11/8/23)"

Producer notes: "Classic Napa Valley Cabernet aromas of ripe blackberry and red currant are underpinned by an alluring dark forest floor earthiness and a high note of red licorice/candy shop. Valley floor fruit brings mouth-filling plushness to the palate, while concentrated mountain fruit drives through the core. Focused black fruit –cherry, plum, and raspberry –surge long and deep with hints of black olive and freshly cracked pepper. Polished tannins frame and lengthen the palate as a balancing acidity provides a magnifying lift. The finish is long, juicy, and plush with a thrust of grippy tannin, persisting with notes of vanilla bean, warm spice, and toasted hazelnut."