Marine Layer 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon “Moon Mountain” Sonoma 96 Points

Winemaker Notes: “Our inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon from the Moon Mountain District establishes an impressive benchmark. Its opulent ruby complexion hints at the luscious scents of Santa Rosa plum, macerated blackberries, and rich cacao. The palate boasts elevated flavors, evoking the essence of dark pomegranate and a harmonious blend of baking spices, including clove and nutmeg, intricately intertwined. This wine, nimble and light on its feet with excellent acidity, is graced with fine-grained black tea tannins that persist throughout, culminating in an enduring and resounding finish.”

FMW 96 Points:  The Marine Layer Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Moon Mountain AVA in the southern part of Sonoma. It offers up a gorgeous bouquet of blueberries, cassis, and sandalwood.  The 2021 Cabernet comes from vines planted in the 1960s and spent most 2 years in 50% new French oak. The wine is full in body and is rich and flavorful, loaded with black stone fruits, chocolate and a hint of spice.  The wine is lush, and long and finishes with fine-grained, silky tannins. I suggest to put the wine away for a year, or so. If you like to drink it now, give it a good 90-minute “double decant”. Only 200 cases were produced.”

Vinous 95 Points: “The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District is a potent, explosive wine. Black fruit, new leather, licorice, spice, chocolate, and dried herbs race across the palate. Firm Moon Mountain tannins are very much front and center. The 2021 marries old-school classicism with a more modern expression of fruit density and texture. Bottling on the early side, with about 14 months in barrel, yields a Cabernet with bold, upfront fruit. This is a fine debut.”