- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville is a masterclass in balance and power, a wine that echoes the rugged resilience of the vintage while displaying a symphony of polish and finesse that only the finest terroir and winemaking can deliver. In a year defined by meager rainfall and stressed vines, the PlumpJack team has managed to coax greatness from scarcity. What emerged from these low-yielding vineyards is a Cabernet of riveting concentration and stunning aromatic complexity, forged in adversity and elevated by precise craftsmanship.
In the glass, this wine immediately asserts itself with an opulent bouquet of black cherry compote, boysenberry, and blackberry jam—all ripe, lush, and layered. But this is no fruit bomb; there’s a wild, almost primal edge beneath the surface. Notes of fresh mint and sage rise up, intertwined with hints of crushed iron and graphite, adding a mineral backbone that grounds the wine in its Oakville roots. The 20 months spent in 100% French oak—78% new—impart layers of vanilla bean, cocoa nib, and exotic spices that meld seamlessly into the wine’s aromatic and textural matrix.
The palate is nothing short of luxurious. It glides across the tongue with a velvety richness, offering finely integrated tannins that feel plush yet commanding. There’s real gravitas here, but also poise. Dark chocolate, espresso, and savory herbs create a deep umami-laced complexity on the finish, which lingers long and graceful. The alcohol, clocking in at 15.4%, is beautifully hidden behind the sheer density and equilibrium of the wine. This is not merely a bold expression of Napa Cabernet—it is a study in how power can be rendered with precision and elegance.
The inclusion of 7% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec amplifies the wine’s structural integrity and aromatic depth without overpowering the purity of the Cabernet core. Each varietal contribution feels essential, elevating the whole beyond its already formidable parts. The result is a wine that captures the soul of the 2021 vintage and the distinctive voice of the Oakville AVA—at once rich, expressive, and ageworthy. With only 5,795 cases produced, the 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet is a rare and compelling testament to the virtues of low yield, meticulous viticulture, and fearless winemaking. A true Napa Valley standout, built to thrill now and evolve for decades.
Alcohol: 15.4%
In the glass, this wine immediately asserts itself with an opulent bouquet of black cherry compote, boysenberry, and blackberry jam—all ripe, lush, and layered. But this is no fruit bomb; there’s a wild, almost primal edge beneath the surface. Notes of fresh mint and sage rise up, intertwined with hints of crushed iron and graphite, adding a mineral backbone that grounds the wine in its Oakville roots. The 20 months spent in 100% French oak—78% new—impart layers of vanilla bean, cocoa nib, and exotic spices that meld seamlessly into the wine’s aromatic and textural matrix.
The palate is nothing short of luxurious. It glides across the tongue with a velvety richness, offering finely integrated tannins that feel plush yet commanding. There’s real gravitas here, but also poise. Dark chocolate, espresso, and savory herbs create a deep umami-laced complexity on the finish, which lingers long and graceful. The alcohol, clocking in at 15.4%, is beautifully hidden behind the sheer density and equilibrium of the wine. This is not merely a bold expression of Napa Cabernet—it is a study in how power can be rendered with precision and elegance.
The inclusion of 7% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec amplifies the wine’s structural integrity and aromatic depth without overpowering the purity of the Cabernet core. Each varietal contribution feels essential, elevating the whole beyond its already formidable parts. The result is a wine that captures the soul of the 2021 vintage and the distinctive voice of the Oakville AVA—at once rich, expressive, and ageworthy. With only 5,795 cases produced, the 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet is a rare and compelling testament to the virtues of low yield, meticulous viticulture, and fearless winemaking. A true Napa Valley standout, built to thrill now and evolve for decades.
Alcohol: 15.4%
95 POINTS - "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is rich, racy and super-expressive. Silky and deep, with notable resonance, the 2021 offers up dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, new leather and licorice. Today, it is a very young wine in need of cellaring, but its potential is evident. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the blend. This should be positively stellar." - Vinous
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
The shortage of rainfall in 2021 led to high-stress growing conditions for our vines. The resulting grapes were small and concentrated, giving us wines with great concentration, intensity, and structure. The nose of the 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon leads with juicy fruits – black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry jam, and muddled mixed berries. The fruit is layered with fresh mint, sage, and iron filings. These aromas are complemented by warming spices, vanilla, and cocoa nib. The palate has a beautiful, velvety texture with plush tannin and an enduring finish with impressions of espresso and dark chocolate.