Grgich Hills Estate Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Cassis, darker berries, graphite, and a kiss of smoked tobacco all emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a nicely concentrated, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has the vintage's pure, focused, beautifully balanced style. It should evolve nicely for at least 10-12 years, if not longer. It's easily the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted and should be snatched up by savvy readers.

A medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon with aromas of dark cherries, blackcurrants, violets and baking spices. Firm tannins with a spicy, vivid mid-palate and a supple and fruity finish. Drink or hold.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of bay leaves, mossy tree bark and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of crunchy black fruits, framed by ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of mineral sparks.

The Grgich Hills 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown offers up hallmark notes of cassis, faint herbal streaks and dusty earth. It's only medium-bodied and classically proportioned—a bit of a throwback in style—with silky, refined tannins and a lingering finish.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive, mid-weight wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dried cherry, tobacco, licorice, cedar and earthy notes all grace this expressive, understated Cabernet from Grgich Hills. (Antonio Galloni)