Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Kerr Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous, with layered aromas of red and black cherry, cassis, violets, cigar box, culinary herbs, forest floor, and dark chocolate. The texture is wonderful. A silky entry opens up to a velvety mid palate and long finish, with flavors of red and black fruits, candied violets, rich dark chocolate, herbs, and a hint of leather. This rare Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a historic vineyard site located within the St. Helena AVA of Napa Valley.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
A beautiful wine from this talented winemaker and St. Helena vineyard, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard has a pure, full-bodied, concentrated style, with ample cassis and spicy currant fruits, some chocolate and lead pencil notes, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a ripe, sexy, broad, and textured beauty to drink over the coming 15 years.
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James Suckling
This is a muscular wine with crushed stone, blackcurrants and black licorice. It’s full-bodied and shows intensity, with a long and flavorful finish. This needs time to soften. Not chewy, just fruity and focused. Try after 2030.
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Wine Spectator
This drips with alluring aromas and flavors of plum sauce, açaí reduction and boysenberry compote, all gilded liberally with black licorice and violet. Polished in feel, with the fruit smoldering seductively on the finish as a hint of sweet bay peeks in. Drink now through 2038.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.