Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Relevant presents a captivating bouquet of black cherry and cassis, accented with hints of violet and cocoa. On the palate, it showcases Crown Point's site's distinctive fine grained tannins and silky texture. The wine's complexity is a testament to their unique terroir, where the warm days and cool nights provided ideal ripening conditions. This vintage reflects its coastal origins, delivering finesse, depth, and layers.
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Intensely dark blueberry and cassis aromas are cut by hints of meat and dry oak on the nose of this estate's entry-level bottling, which includes 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot. Chalky, firm tannins frame the fresh blackberry flavors of the sip, where a dusting of pepper spice floats through the long-lingering finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The deep ruby/plum-hued 2021 Relevant checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot that spent 20 months in one-third new oak. It would be a great introduction into the wines of this estate and has upfront, ripe, opulent aromas and flavors of black fruits, chocolaty herbs, espresso, graphite, and tobacco leaf. Beautifully textured, full-bodied, with plenty of tannins, it's perfect for drinking any time over the coming decade or more.
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James Suckling
Ripe and opulent in flavor but nicely structured and linear in texture. Deep, plush black cherries, blueberries, baking spices and cream oh the palate. So layered, impressive and laced with tons of fine-grained tannins. Full-bodied but balanced and fresh. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Relevant contains 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot and aptly introduces Crown Point's decidedly polished style. Coffee berries, mocha and graphite aromas introduce a red-fruited, spry palate that holds substantial richness despite its medium-bodied frame. It finishes with focused, powdery tannins and high-toned energy.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
On the eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley, the rolling hills of the tiny Happy Canyon AVA produce top quality reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and whites from Sauvignon blanc. The region’s low-nutrient soil grows smaller vines and in turn, higher quality wine grapes.