The Vineyardist Calarcadia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Product Info

Terroir & Vineyard
This flagship wine from The Vineyardist is 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon grown on their estate at Calarcadia Vineyard in the Diamond Mountain District of Napa Valley. The vineyard’s elevation ranges from 800 to 1,400 feet, with volcanic-rock soils and a north-facing slope that bestows both sun exposure and cooling relief. The site is farmed sustainably and hand-harvested, contributing to the precision and intensity of the fruit.

Winemaking
As a limited production estate wine, the 2021 bottling reflects rigorous selection of micro-blocks and high-end élevage. It is entirely Cabernet Sauvignon and the winery describes it as the “finest blocks on the estate’s volcanic ridge.” The reported critical score is a perfect 100 points from Jeb Dunnuck, who praises its “pure perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon,” and strong structure with a “90+ second layered finish.”

Tasting Profile

• Appearance: Deep, richly saturated ruby red with a hint of violet rim—youthful and intense.
• Aromas: A powerful aromatic spectrum of black and blue fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), complemented by smoked tobacco, dark chocolate, ink-and-metal minerality and a refined iron-tinge.
• Palate: Full-bodied, expansive and multi-dimensional in the mouth. The fruit core is dense—blackberry, cassis—while the texture is notable for fine-grained tannins and polished structure. Mid-palate reveals savory layers: cedar, graphite, dark espresso, and a streak of volcanic minerality. The finish is very long, layered and textured—earning the “skyscraper” analogy from the winery.
• Ageing Potential: Built for the long haul. Reviewers expect 20-40 years of life under ideal conditions.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: Recommend around 16–18 °C (60–64 °F). Decanting for 45–60 minutes is advisable if drinking in the first few years to open the aromatics and integrate the structure.
• Food pairings:
• Grilled or roasted premium red meats: rib-eye, porterhouse, or venison with herb-butter crust.
• Braised short ribs or beef cheeks with reduced jus, or lamb with rosemary and garlic.
• Mature hard cheeses (aged Gouda, sharp cheddar) or even a charcuterie board with smoked meats and black-olive tapenade to match its depth and savory character.
• Drink window: While approachable in its youth for those who enjoy bold structure, this wine is best cellared for 5-10 years and will likely improve over 15–30 years given its pedigree.