When Turnbull launched in 1979 it was with the goal of producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Of course, at the time there was a lot of excellent Cabernet in the market. But as many Napa Cabernets chose to make enormous and heavy-handed wines, Turnbull chose a different direction. The craftsmanship of this is an homage to Old-School Napa Cabernet - those wines not often made anymore that truly prized the plot of land and extolled the fruit over the use of high brix and lots of oak. So if you want to taste Cabernet the way it used to be, this will complement any occasion.

Comprised of almost all Cabernet Sauvignon, there are very small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This offers subdued notes of blackberry, blueberry, loganberry, a touch of macerated plum, fresh cracked black pepper, light vanilla and sandalwood. There is the faintest suggestion of powdered cocoa as well. The tannins are finely assimilated into the wine as a whole, as is the moderate acidity. The judicious use of French oak barrels adds to the allure and supports the impressive fruit. A good portion of the Cabernet is sourced from the Turnbull Leopoldina vineyard, which historically always produces excellent fruit.

This 2021 will benefit from decanting, at least an hour, which opens up the fruit, but also exposes more acidity and tannic structure. The result is a tightly controlled wine that showcases fruit, oak, tannins and soil. ORIGIN: Oakville, Napa Valley. ALCOHOL: 14.1%

Turnbullwines.com

Grade: 
A
Score: 
94
Vintage: 
2021
Current Price: 
$110.00USD