That year, the vineyard crews had to undertake an unusual task. Since varieties that typically ripen several weeks apart all reached harvest maturity at the same time, they had to harvest different varieties side by side in some plots.
Beaulieu Vineyard's Napa Valley bottling exhibits the classic characteristics of Napa Cabernet, dark-fruited and firm rather than delicate. The rich fruit flavors provide excellent support. In drought years, such as this one, Cabernet tends to produce wines with a dense, compact flavor rather than an expansive one, and the 2021 vintage clearly demonstrates this characteristic.
Robert Parker (88)
As usual, BV's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley contains bits and pieces of other varieties: 5% Petit Sirah, 4% Charbono and 3% each Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Touriga Nacional to go with its 82% Cabernet Sauvignon. The overall impression is of ripe cherries and vanilla, solidly made and clean on the nose, medium to full-bodied in the mouth, with some silky tannins on the finish. The levels of concentration and fruit are relatively modest but for less than $40, who's complaining?
Winespectator (91)
A polished, friendly style, with boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit notes cruising through to the polished, licorice-accented finish. Drink now through 2032.
James Suckling (94)
Very aromatic and vivid with hints of ink, stone and blackberry with some black currant. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a fresh, juicy finish. Nice fluidity to it. Lovely texture at the end. 82% cabernet sauvignon with petit sirah and others, including touriga nacional. Drink or hold.
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Full bottle 1,335 g. This is a wine that impressed me for its value when I tasted it in Napa in April 2024. Let's see how it looks now ... after a transatlantic crossing. 18 months of barrel-ageing in French and European oak (30% new barrels). 20,464 cases made. Treasury-owned.
Light to mid crimson. Ripe and appealing but not at all overdone or sweet or fat. No perceptible oak and the alcohol is amazingly well hidden. There are so many Napa Cabs that cost three times as much as this and give so much less pleasure. This is a wine that anyone should enjoy, though while acidity is fresh, the tannins are well in the background. Much to my frustration, it looks as though UK stockists are still on the 2019. VGV Jancis Robinson
Vinous (92)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a fabulous wine in its peer group and a stunning value—one of the best in Napa Valley. There are basically no Napa Valley wines at the price point, especially for this level of quality. A rush of dark red cherry, plum, spice, leather and pipe tobacco immediately announces the 2021. Racy and exuberant to the core, with terrific balance, this is an absolute pleasure to taste. Most of this fruit is from estate vineyards in Rutherford and Calistoga. Dollops of Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot round out the blend.
Jeb Dunnuck (90)
Moving to the 2021s, there are roughly 20 thousand cases of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, and it's well worth drinking. Ripe red and black fruits, medium body, fine, polished tannins, and some classic chalky minerality, spring flowers, and graphite notes all make for an outstanding, satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
