Winemaker Notes
Early on, it was the consen-sus that this would be the best Melanson we’ve yet to produce. I am glad to see that it turned out that way afterbottling. Our 2021 Melanson has an additional level of richness and a slightly higher level of black fruits over thetypical red fruit spectrum that Pritchard Hill provides. An amazingly rich and seamless mid to back palate thatshows off its mountain terroir. This will be the longest-lived Melanson we have ever made, an homage to themajesty of Pritchard Hill. Deep, dark, and opulent. Brilliant wine.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of black cherries and plums on the nose with flowers such a violets. Full and chewy with a crushed stone and ink character. Chunky tannins. Big mountainous character here. This needs time to soften.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another top-notch barrel sample, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard features attractive scents of ripe cherries, refined cedar and Madagascar vanilla. From a site on Pritchard Hill, this wine is medium to full-bodied and nicely textured (somewhere between velvety and silky), with a long-lasting finish.
Barrel Sample: 94-96
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.