2020 Cathiard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
A dense aromatic profile of earth, dark plum, Valrhona chocolate, tobacco and spice dominate the nose. The palate is rich and round with seamless velvety tannins. A focused acidity complimented with a balanced, complete mouthfeel leads to a finish that displays the very best of the terroir farmed by Cathiard Vineyard.
Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate's top wine, is dark and mysterious to the core. Black cherry, mocha, plum, new leather, incense and dried herbs all build in grand style, supported by beams of tannin that give the wine energy and shape. This is such an impressive showing, especially considering that these barrel samples were not in the best shape when I tasted them
James Suckling
Aromas of blackcurrants, pine needles, cedar, tree bark and fresh dark mushrooms. Some stone and black fruit, too. A very fine-grained wine, complex and refined with energy and focus. It’s elegant with a lasting finish. Hints of nutmeg and other spices at the end, with a touch of incense and sandalwood. Pure cabernet sauvignon from 45-year-old vines, the oldest hillside block at the property. 9,000 bottles made. Try after 2028
Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the flagship is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate on the western side of the Valley. A darker, more structured wine, it has beautiful purity in its ripe black fruits, roasted herbs, tobacco, and chocolaty aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated, and incredibly structured and inward on the palate, this riveting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is going to require at least 7-8 years of bottle age to show its full potential.
Decanter
Fragranced and floral on the nose with clear toast, liquorice, cedar and blueberries. Dense yet agile, this has weight and an instant texture in the mouth - like crushed velvet, massy and full but chalky and softly chewy while remaining cool and lifted. I like the clean aspect with a really mineral, graphite aspect to the finish. Feels polished and utterly elegant, still super young, this hasn't given up any tension yet, but it will be sublime in time. Blackcurrants, plums and sweet spices but cool too, nothing overripe or pushed about this. Very good.