Vine Hill Ranch Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

A deep well of gorgeous flavors—raspberry, boysenberry, mulberry and black currant preserves—sparkle in this red, with anise, violet and wood spice hints throughout. All of that is riveted to a terrific graphite spine running from start to finish, where a flash of cast iron peeks in. As the fruit lingers, a subtle echo of hibiscus provides a suave counterpoint. This encapsulates the best aspects of the vintage. Best from 2025 through 2045. 946 cases made. (James Molesworth)

Lots of black fruits, lead pencil, graphite, and ink pot. Currants. Black earth. Some bark. Medium-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins with a minerally undertone. Hints of black mushrooms. Juicy and reserved at the end. Lots of freshness and structure at the same time. Good grip in the finish. Try after 2026.

Scheduled to be released in February 2024, VHR's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is another fabulous wine from the Phillips family and winemaker Françoise Peschon. On the nose, it's a bit restrained, with a subtle herbal perfume, hints of peppery spice and a concentrated mix of red and black cherries. In the mouth, the wine is similarly composed and polite, being medium to full-bodied, silky and taut in feel, balanced and elegant on the lingering finish.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is super-polished. Freshly cut flowers, rose petal, lavender and spice lend notable aromatic presence to this silky, nuanced wine. This is one of the most elegant wines I can remember tasting here, even with low yields and tiny berries. Silky, perfectly-ripe tannins wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit. Medium in body and wonderfully refined, the 2021 is shaping up to be a gem. It is, quite simply, magnificent.