2021 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley

2021 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

Arkenstone

Cabernet Sauvignon
NVD Napa Valley 2021

2021 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley

Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon consistently ranks among our most cherished wines, with the 2018 vintage recently claiming the #1 spot on our 2023 top-ten list. From the rugged top of Howell Mountain, winemaker Sam Kaplan meticulously crafts wines that exemplify power, grace, and harmonious balance. The NVD Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, is a captivating experience—a remarkable value that seamlessly blends intensity and refinement.

The Arkenstone story began in 1988 when visionary founders, inspired by the profound character of mountain-grown grapes, established their estate on Howell Mountain. In 2006, Sam Kaplan joined the team, assuming the dual roles of winemaker and vineyard manager. With unwavering dedication, he oversees every stage of production, ensuring consistent excellence and earning critical acclaim.

The 2021 NVD Cabernet is a quintessential expression of Napa Valley’s mountain terroir. Sourced from the dramatic, volcanic slopes of Howell Mountain and select vineyards in eastern Napa Valley, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the varietal’s intense, complex character. The 2021 growing season yielded smaller, intensely flavored berries, which Sam skillfully transformed into a wine of incredible depth, richness, and sophistication—an exceptional tribute to Napa Valley’s finest vineyard sites.

Arkenstone
Cabernet Sauvignon
NVD Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $125

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“Sam Kaplan masterfully combines components from premier single vineyards—Heimark, Godward, and Amoenus—to craft this exceptional blend, aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. The result is a wine of remarkable depth and balance. The bouquet is wonderfully rich, with aromas of crushed stones and lifted blackberry fruit. It offers a medium-to-full-bodied profile on the palate with layers of dark black cherry and blackberry, underscored by graphite and fine-grained tannins. The tannins are elongated and possess a terrific grip, delivering intensity and structure that linger for a full 60 seconds. As the finish unfolds, notes of wild herbs, spices, and a subtle hint of hay emerge, adding complexity and intrigue. This wine is a testament to Kaplan’s ability to balance power with precision, creating a blend that captures both elegance and intensity—a true standout.”

95 Points

2018 Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

ARKENSTONE

NVD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2018

2018 Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The Arkenstone Estate Vineyard at 1400 feet on Howell Mountain consists of 13 acres of vines divided into 22 separate vineyard blocks, providing winemaker Sam Kaplan with the necessary components for crafting magnificent high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon that competes with the best in the Valley. Sam’s winemaking philosophy centers around elegance and balance, utilizing hands-on organic farming, limited yields, and harvesting at uniform ripeness, resulting in cellar-worthy wines that are delicious upon release.
 
The NVD is the newest addition to the winery’s production from the steep slopes of the volcanic soils in the Vaca range, providing a supreme balance between the concentrated mountain fruit and minerality. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent representation of the superior quality that put Napa on the international wine map, and the 2018 vintage is showing brilliantly.
 
ARKENSTONE
NVD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2018
 
Your Price: $95
 
 
 
“One of winemaker Sam Kaplan’s finest showings from a lineup of 15 wines across his consulting clients, which include Vida Valiente, Memento Mori, Vangone and Maxem, his own label. This 100% Cabernet is a blend of grapes from Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain and Calistoga. Aged 22 months in 75% new French oak it delivers heady aromas of cinnamon-dusted black cherry and ripe blueberry, an intriguing herbal note and ground espresso. The structured palate is broad and plush with red boysenberries, savoury black olives, leather and a refreshing herbal note. It glides to a chocolate finish, supported by fine-grained, sappy tannins.
Drinking Window 2021 – 2040.”
98 Points
 
“….made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose reveals notes of warm plums, baked black currants and black cherries with suggestions of clove oil, black tea, Chinese five spice and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with firm, crunchy black berry flavors with bags of freshness and plush tannins, finishing with compelling energy…”
94 Points