After purchasing the property that would become Antica Napa Valley, Piero Antinori befriended his neighbor, June Townsend, almost immediately. She lived a simple life on top of her mountain and was generous with her kindness. Antinori purchased the 24-acre property from her when she decided to sell it in 1998, and even though she is no longer with us, we felt it only right to keep this very special vineyard named for the very special woman who was its steward before us.

Set high on the ridge overlooking Rector Canyon and Napa Valley some 1,600 feet below, this vineyard is planted on a west-facing slope of well-drained, volcanic soils. Townsend Vineyard’s architecture is based on Antinori’s philosophy for new vineyards in Tuscany: high-density vine spacing ensures low production of fruit per vine, the vine rows are aligned from east to west to achieve ideal sun exposure, and the vines are trained low to the ground to take advantage of radiant heat from the volcanic rock and soils. Finally, rootstock and clones of Cabernet Sauvignon were chosen to complement Townsend’s terroir, ensuring the best fruit expression.

We bottle this wine on its own, and 500 cases are made only in great vintages. This single-vineyard wine is delicious and shows a pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, with flavors of ripe, juicy dark berry and currant, espresso, and mocha. Great depth and the flavors linger on the palate. We think Mrs. Townsend would be proud.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon harvest will be remembered for low yields with intensely flavored, small-sized berries. The season started off with little rain during the winter months, ending with a slight threat from spring frost. The second year of drought conditions in Napa Valley resulted in lower natural yields, requiring less canopy management throughout the growing season and less dropping of excess fruit to bring balance to the crop as harvest approached. Harvest began in early September and continued steadily to early October, providing a smooth and steady harvest season. The nose opens with hints of blackberry, black currant, and white pepper, and evolves as the wine opens to notes of black cherries, violets, and crushed rock. The palate is focused and pure with hints of spice, vanilla, and menthol. Full-bodied with tannins that provide structure and length on the palate.