Carter Cellars 2021 Cabernet “Carter” Napa Valley 96 Points

TWI (Lisa Perotti-Brown) 96 Points: “The single-varietal 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Carter is a blend from To Kalon and Las Piedras with a little Coliseum Block. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of blackcurrant jelly, blueberry pie, and plum preserves plus a suggestion of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is lively and ready to go, with alluring black fruit layers and savory accents coming through on the plush finish.”

IWR 96 Points: “The 2021 ‘The Carter’ is a low production Cabernet Sauvignon which comes from a selection of fruit out Carter Cellars the best vineyards. It possesses beautiful aromatic profile of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, exotic spices, graphite, herbs, dark florals and hints of dark chocolate that all take shape. On the palate this is full-bodied and voluptuous, structured with finely polished tannins that create a wonderful seamless texture. It goes on to display excellent depth, with a ripe core focused around dark fruits and exotic spices that continue to expand beautifully into the plush finish. While this is absolutely delicious now, it also has plenty of potential to age gracefully for years to come.”

Winemaker Notes: “This low production 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from hand-selected fruit out of our best vineyards. This is a classical Napa Cabernet in both structure and elegance, and while delicious in its youth, should be cellared to afford ideal integration. It boasts a purple color and dense flavors of black cherries, graphite and mocha matched with a well-integrated oak profile. On the nose, lively fruit dances with minerality and spices to make a signature profile that will only improve with time. This full-bodied, layered, racy wine showcases both purity and elegance – a wine that is both great for cellaring or drinking right now.”