Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Oakcross has an expressive bouquet of raspberry, boysenberry, blueberry cream pie, and crushed blackberry, interwoven with hints of clove, violets, pencil shaving, freshly grilled bread, and bittersweet chocolate. On the palate, a ripe plum entry gives way to tart cherry, mixed berries, and mocha, with underlying notes of graphite, cranberry, and a touch of paprika, complimented by delicate, plush tannins.
This perfectly balanced blend would pair well with a variety of dishes including a rich penne and braised pork ragu, roasted duck with blackberry and balsamic reduction sauce or a classic creamy mushroom stroganoff.
Blend: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Oakcross is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. A rich, heady red, the 2021 offers up copious dark fruit intermingled with scents of graphite, menthol, licorice, chocolate and dried herbs. Give the potent tannins a few years to soften.
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James Suckling
A well-crafted, balanced and textural red that’s refined and controlled. Aromas of blackberries, black plums and cedar dominate on the nose. Full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Harmonious and pulpy with a flavorful finish and excellent length. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot and 3% petit verdot.
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Wine Spectator
A well-built red, displaying a muscular core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit inlaid with hints of sweet tobacco and sage and carried by a rich spine of loam and warm stone. Shows a nice throwback touch. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038.
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.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.