Winemaker Notes
Big, bold and racy, this Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense purple, almost opaque hue and offers up an electrifying bouquet dark red, blue and black fruits with notes of tobacco leaf, graphite and spicy oak. Opulent and layered it flexes its power but is framed by refreshing acidity with silky, sweet tannins. The 2021 displays loads of potential for being enjoyed in its youth, while also rewarding patience over the following decade.
Blend: 96 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The Royal Prince 2021 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark berry fruit, dried violets, crème de cassis, leather, charcuterie, and intensely rich, dark, loamy earth. It is medium—to full-bodied with broad-shouldered, muscular tannins, which display an exacting, fine-grained quality, leading to a long, earthy, dried-violet finish. Aged for 20 months in mostly new French oak, this wine is a collaboration between vintner David Green and winemaker Maayan Koschitzky (also the Director of Winemaking at Atelier Melka).
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Tasting Panel
Dense and brushy notes of blackberry and plum skin take a deep dive on the palate, creating a tongue-coating effect. Bold coffee-bean tannins add grip to luxurious effect.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Made by Maayan Koschitzky (of Atelier Philippe Melka), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is all varietal brought up in French oak. Its deeper ruby/plum hue is followed by a classic Cabernet Sauvignon nose of cassis and black cherries supported by plenty of sappy herbs, graphite, and obvious minerality. This medium-bodied, lively, elegant Cabernet has ripe, building tannins, a good spine of acidity, and outstanding length.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine Enthusiast
Flavors of mixed berries accented by bay laurel and cracked pepper with a tinge of heat are carried by textural tannins in this full-bodied wine. Cocoa and sweet cassis appear over time, adding another layer of interest.
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.