The 2021 Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California, has garnered impressive reviews from several top wine critics. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an alcohol content of 14.8%, has been described as a standout vintage, exhibiting both elegance and depth.
The Wine Independent awarded this wine a perfect score of 100, highlighting its "deep garnet-purple" color and "expressive scents of freshly crushed black cherries, warm cassis, and juicy blackberries." The reviewer noted additional layers of "menthol, dark chocolate, licorice, and cinnamon stick" with a "fragrant waft of violets." The full-bodied palate is described as "densely laden with vibrant black fruits and loads of baking spice sparks," finishing "very long and achingly perfumy." The Wine Independent emphasized the wine's "exquisitely ripe tannins and well-knit freshness."
Jeb Dunnuck gave the 2021 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon an impressive score of 98+, remarking on its "dense purple hue" and "stunning nose of blackcurrants, charcoal, leafy tobacco, and violet." Dunnuck praised its full-bodied richness, concentration, and a "great core of tannins," suggesting that it could potentially reach a triple-digit rating in the future and become a "30+-year legend."
Similarly, Vinous awarded the wine a score of 98+, describing it as "super-polished" with notable aromatic presence from "freshly cut flowers, rose petal, lavender, and spice." The review highlighted the wine's "medium in body and wonderfully refined" character, calling it "magnificent."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine 98, noting its "subtle herbal perfume, hints of peppery spice, and a concentrated mix of red and black cherries." The wine is described as "medium to full-bodied, silky and taut in feel, balanced and elegant on the lingering finish."
James Suckling rated the wine 98 as well, pointing out its "lots of black fruits, lead pencil, graphite, and ink pot" aromas, with a "minerally undertone" and hints of "black mushrooms." Suckling described the wine as "medium-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins," and suggested trying it after 2026 to fully appreciate its "freshness and structure."
In summary, the 2021 Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon has been universally praised for its complexity, elegance, and potential longevity. With exceptional reviews and a promising future, it stands out as a noteworthy choice for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.