2021 Coeur de Vallee Cabernet Sauvignon

All Cabernet Sauvignon from the small vineyard at the winery in Saint Helena (510 cases produced), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate is one of my favorite Morlet wines. On the nose, hints of crushed stone and pencil shavings accent lovely fruit in the form of black cherries and black raspberries, while the medium to full-bodied palate somehow comes across as generous yet restrained, concentrated yet silky in feel, the flavors and texture lingering elegantly on the finish. (JC)

The texture is luscious, with a cut of orange zest adding depth and balance, full of Napa character in terms of its muscularity and pleasure. Blueberry, damson, black cherry, rose bud, capsicum, olive paste, cocoa bean, espresso, tobacco, one-third in 600 litre french oak casks, the rest in small stainless steel tanks. A dry season, with rain only really falling in January and February, and although temperatures didn't climb too high, the wines have an intensity to them that is arresting and full of charm. Darnajou and Gauthier Frères. Luc and Jodie Morlet, always among the most thoughtful winemakers in Napa, own this exceptional vineyard that has the To Kalon creek running through it. Organic farming, bottled unfiltered and unfined.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee, with 5% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little swirling, the nose erupts with scents of boysenberry preserves and blackcurrant jelly leading to nuances of wild sage, violets, and underbrush plus a hint of tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate has wonderful freshness, with firm, plush tannins and bags of black fruit and mineral layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note.