The 2021 season was joyous and welcome after the challenges of previous vintages, producing exceptionally high- quality fruit, some of the best in recent years. Rain early in the year led to almost no notable precipitation for the rest of the season, providing an ideal environment for grapes to flower, bloom, and set in early spring. Budbreak occurred early in April, followed by flowering and bloom in May. The summer saw early, even ripening throughout the valley, with veraison appearing in early July. Low yields, in part due to drought conditions, created intensely flavored small berries. After one of the earliest starts on record, harvest for red grapes began at the end of August. With optimal ripening and taste, our winemakers took their time bringing grapes in. The result is wines of fantastic character, with amazing color extraction, aromatic intensity, tremendous balance, and structure that are equally lush and fruity. A tremendous year to taste the nuances and terroir distinctions from around the Valley.

This is a truly remarkable vintage of our iconic flagship wine. The bouquet is intense with fragrant notes of wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with a sumptuous mouthfeel, showcasing layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside earthier tones of graphite, licorice root, gravely stone, and dark chocolate. Subtle baking spices from the French oak barrel aging provide sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon notes, while the signature “Rutherford Dust” tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture. Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable, elegant, and pleasing, the tannins provide approachability with beautiful harmony and balance. There is significant presence, depth, and concentration in this Private Reserve, foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential that will continue to evolve, unfold, and develop across the next few decades.