Winemaker Notes
Paradise Block is the epitome of elegance opening with aromas of ripe cassis, orange peel, hints of blueberry, raspberry, and red pepper followed by undertones of dried herbs, citrus rind and sandalwood. On the palate, the wine displays a dense but silky tannin structure leading to complex flavors of juicy red cassis, blackberries and fresh figs supported by hints of cocoa, sel de mer and bay leaves. The finish is exceedingly long and memorable.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
An achievement of structure, texture, fruit, and acid. Plum and espresso correspond to blackberry and anise. A diplomatic red that finds true peace on the palate. Paradise is not lost here.
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Decanter
Legendary winemaker Mike Grgich passed away at 100 in December of 2023. Acting as winemaker emeritus practically until his passing, he had a hand in shaping this blend. Today, his nephew, Croatian-born Ivo Jeramaz, manages day-to-day winemaking operations. The 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Rutherford and Calistoga. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc was aged 20 months in 100% French oak. It's a fashionable, complex, and complete wine showing a deep ruby-purple in the glass and attractive aromas of spiced blackberries, kirsch, perfumed violets, cassis, and tobacco spices. Medium-bodied with compact, juicy dark fruits and firm, elongated, elegant tannins and iron-like minerality on the length finish.
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James Suckling
A seductive and layered Cabernet Sauvignon with currants, wild berries, dried herbs and dried spice aromas. Medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Attractive core of berries at the center with a vivid touch of spices and herbs as well as a firm frame of tannins giving shape to the edges. Focused and layered. Better from 2026.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
One of Napa Valley's most historic sub-appellations, Yountville spreads through some of the valley's ideal cooler sites and enjoys success with a handful of different and significant grape varieties.
Syrah competes strongly with Cabernet Sauvignon here for optimal vineyard real estate followed by Pinot noir, Pinot blanc and Sauvignon blanc.
This sub-AVA of Napa Valley is rich in the history that makes Napa Valley what it is today, and not just for red wines. Moët & Chandon entered the California winemaking business via Yountville in 1973 with the establishment Domaine Chandon. Their goal has always been to produce top quality méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
Christian Moueix, originally responsible for managing Chateau Petrus and La Fleur-Petrus in Pomerol, arrived in Yountville in the early 1980s. He formed a partnership with Rohin Lail and Marcia Smith, inheritors of Napanook vineyard from their father John Daniel of Inglenook in Rutherford. In 1995 Moueix became sole owner of Napanook and chose the name Dominus, which today produces some of Napa’s highest scoring, age-worthy Bordeaux Blends.