The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a showstopper, opening with a mentholated freshness and mixing dried herbs, cedar shavings, black cherries and cloves. This impresses further with its poise and refinement, silken and pure, with crisp red berry fruits and tactile mineral tones. Rosy inner florals combine with autumnal spice and hints of licorice as the 2021 finishes long and tannic yet remarkably fresh. I would never guess this came from Red Mountain given how silky these tannins are. Wow. Todd Alexander is a master of his craft.

My core belief that no wine can be perfect is seriously challenged by this otherworldly Cabernet Sauvignon. The saline aroma of driftwood transitions to crushed raspberry, mineral and graphite scents. Flavors of black cherry compote and black tea are counterpointed by the bitter bite of nettles. Leathery tannins and jangly acidity are equally matched.

Another gem, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate offers up a textbook Red Mountain profile with loads of savory red and black fruits as well as loamy earth, graphite, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, like all great Cabernets from this terroir, the cellar is going to be your friend. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

What a fragrant and sophisticated cabernet. It's full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins framing a concentrated core of bay leaves, thyme, olives and dark, spicy fruit. Long and structured. Cabernet sauvignon with some merlot and petit verdot. Try after 2025.