Winemaker Notes
Pair with porterhouse steak with roasted mushrooms, cacio e pepe, or Moliterno al tartufo cheese. Drink now through 2040.
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
One of the standouts, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon M5 has classic mountain Cabernet character in its ripe black fruits, scorched earth, tobacco, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. It's structured, tannic, and full-bodied on the palate and is going to demand bottle age.
Barrel Sample: 94-96 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon M5 is deeply concentrated as always, with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, vanilla, even hints of road tar. Full-bodied, it carries all its considerable tannins well, finishing long, supple and creamy, with hints of dark chocolate and caramel.
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.