Paradigm

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2021

Paradigm’s Cabernet has long been a wine for those paying close attention. Its broader recognition did not arrive through marketing or spectacle, but through discovery, when a respected critic encountered it unexpectedly and recognized something exceptional. That moment confirmed what insiders had long known: Paradigm is an estate that has been producing Cabernet of uncommon poise and remarkable quality.

Paradigm’s estate sits just south of the famed To Kalon Vineyard, surrounded by some of Oakville’s most revered names. This privileged position, defined by alluvial soils and ideal exposure, yields fruit of natural concentration and balance. The vineyard expresses itself clearly, capturing Oakville’s signature tension between power and elegance, richness balanced by freshness, and without excess.

In the cellar, the skilled hand of Heidi Barrett brings composure to the wine, shaping it with the precision that has defined many of Napa Valley’s most celebrated bottlings. The result is a Cabernet of depth and structure, expressive yet beautifully balanced. In a landscape where acclaim often drives excessive richness, Paradigm remains grounded, offering an Oakville Cabernet that stands confidently among its storied neighbors while retaining a rare sense of authenticity and approachability.

Paradigm
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2021

Your Price: $98

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“This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot was fermented in stainless steel with a small percentage of whole berries included. Winemaker Mark Fasi explains that pressing off the wine before it goes dry helps to soften the tannins. The wine is then aged 18–20 months in approximately 50% new French oak. The Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignons are medium-bodied and exude utmost elegance, showcasing soaring tannins that are assertive yet beautifully integrated and framed by crisp, juicy acidity. The palate reveals pure and gorgeous red berry fruit, complemented by a panoply of brown spices, wild herbs like sage, and floral notes of lilacs and violets. This wine is absolutely pure, brimming with energy and tension, and delivers a stunningly refined expression. A remarkable effort, embodying balance, vitality, and sophistication. Truly impressive. The winemaker is legendary Napa icon Heidi Barrett. Mark Fasi, who joined the winery in 2010 and has worked hand-in-hand with Barrett, takes the helm as winemaker with the 2023 vintage.”

97 Points, #18 Top 50 US Wines 2025