2021 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Aperture
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA
Country: USA
Grapes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2021
ABV: 14.4%
Vivino: 4.5
Drink By: 2036
Occasional Wine Note: We fell in love with the 2014 version of this wine years ago, pleased again as we revisited their 2016 version, but this 2021 is king. We had to add it to our portfolio. What an incredible Cabernet. Lucsious ripe blue and purple fruits, cocoa, hints of tobacco, and baking spices are so well orchestrated here. No way you put the cork back in this bottle! What's more, at under $75, it's an absolute steal.
Wine Advocate
Critic Score: 96
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Aperture's estate vineyard in Healdsburg and their newest vineyard acquisition, Farrow Ranch in Alexander Valley, plus some of the original single vineyards in the Aperture program like Oliver Ranch. It is blended with 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc and was matured for 16 months in 55% new French oak. It has vibrant, layered aromas of blueberry compote, lavender, aniseed, milk chocolate and nutmeg with undertones of cast iron and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled, pairing deep flavors with a weightless feel due to its bright acidity and velvety tannins. It has a long, latent finish and deserves 3-5 years in bottle.
Jeb Dunnuck
Critic Score: 95
Pouring a deep red/purple color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has the addition of 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Malbec and a splash of Cabernet Franc, all raised in 55% new French oak for 18 months. It’s aromatic of brambly crunchy fruits, with notes of blackberries, resinous herbs, mossy forest earth, and mocha. Full-bodied and light on its feel, with lovely freshness, it offers refined tannins and a good deal of length, with an even spine of acidity to hold up its decadent nature.