Carter Cellars 2021 Cabernet “The Haze” Napa Valley 95 Points

IWR 95 Points: “The 2021 ‘The Haze’ is sourced from vineyards in Oakville and Soda Canyon and contains 7% Merlot. It begins with aromas of dark cherries and boysenberries followed by spices, tobacco, graphite, florals, and sage nuances that all take shape. On the palate, this is full-bodied and structured, with well-polished tannins framed by a beautiful touch of acidy that provides a wonderful sense of freshness. Flavors of dark currants, spices, and florals continue to leave a lasting impression on the supple finish. This is a total beauty from Carter Cellars that is drinking exceptionally well today, but also shows wonderful aging potential as well.”

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon The Haze, which includes 7% Merlot, is another tiny production release, with only 186 cases made. It has a beautiful nose of ripe, mint-laced blue fruits, leafy tobacco, graphite, and spring flowers. Deep purple-hued, concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and elegant on the palate, it has a good spine of acidity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The power of the vintage is present, yet it has a pure, pretty, balanced character. It’s a beautiful wine as well as a smoking value from Napa’s 2021 vintage.”

Winemaker Notes: ‘This is our third release of The Haze which is sourced from vineyards in Oakville and Soda Canyon. The Haze has a deep dark purple ruby hue, matched with dark red and black fruits, fresh leather, graphite, and currents all wrapped in powerful integrated oak. On the palate, it is has a full-bodied lifted finish with a balanced mouthful matched with firm, yet supple tannins.”