97pts The Wine Independent

The single-varietal 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, it launches from the glass with explosive notes of creme de cassis, blueberry pie, and Black Forest cake plus nuances of candied violets and tar. The full-bodied palate is taut, muscular, and tightly wound, with a lively line and firm grainy tannins to support, finishing long and earthy.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

Despite the name, the 2021 AE Red Wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but I suspect this will move toward a red blend in the near future. The 2021 is terrific, with lots of attractive red and black fruits that turn more mineral-laced with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with building tannins, it's another beautiful wine from this team where the cellar will be your friend. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, and I'd be shocked if it didn't evolve gracefully over the following two decades or more.

91pts Wine Enthusiast

This vividly fruity wine opens with red and black cherries, bay leaf and rhubarb, while the flavors are equally fruity and vibrant. The wine is lightly tannic, well balanced and ready to drink, although it should age nicely through at least 2028. 

91pts James Suckling

Ripe fruit on the nose with mulberries, blackcurrants, cooked cherries and sweet spices. Some mint and bark. Chewy and ripe, with a full body and a plush core of dark berry fruit. Leafy, tarry elements come through. Try from 2024.

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

There are a substantial 4,500 cases of the 2021 AE Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from just south of the town of Yountville. As a result, it captures some of the gently herbal notes common in this slightly cooler part of Napa and marries them nicely into a wider band of ripe cherries. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% each Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, it's medium to full-bodied in the mouth, framed by silky tannins, with a tart, mouthwatering finish.

Winemaker's Notes

Classic Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon in a strong vintage. It’s a graceful wine with an enticing array of earth, herb, and fresh fruit. Aromas of tobacco leaf and black cherry gently fill the glass. The wine expands on the palate with ripe mission fig, tart plum skin and fresh marjoram. A fine silky texture and dark chocolate linger for over a minute.

About the Wine

A celebration of the vibrancy and approachability of Napa Valley, “AE” acts as an introduction to our Amulet Estate portfolio; highlighting new growing partners and younger vineyard sites.

Our Cabernet Sauvignon’s single vineyard source, located in Yountville AVA, is sustainably farmed by the Bettinelli Family. This label also aligns with the farming foundations and production principals that our team has put forth for several years; a focus on heritage & family-owned sustainable & organic vineyards, with minimal intervention, to produce and highlight unique Napa Valley terroir.

Winery Notes

'The word “amulet” comes from the Latin word amulētum, which means “an object that provides good fortune” or a good luck charm.

More than a talisman, the true mark of the Amulet Estate portfolio is a nod to the pioneering spirit of early Napa Valley viticulture and a deep respect for the land. Sourced from carefully selected vineyard sites, each single vineyard varietal is an elegant expression of Napa Valley terroir.

The Amulet Estate portfolio features six exceptional wines, sourced from five distinct vineyards, each showcasing a unique terroir. The ‘AE’ wines, our Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, provide a refined introduction to Amulet Estate, embodying the essence and approachability of Napa Valley. Our Amulētum Assemblages—Valley Vineyards and Hillside Vineyards—celebrate the region’s diverse terroirs, with the Valley Vineyards reflecting the richness of the valley floor and the Hillside Vineyards capturing the expressive character of the elevated sites. The Estate Blanc, crafted from carefully selected Sauvignon Blanc clones, and our Proprietary Red Wine, a distinguished blend of the finest barrels, demonstrate our commitment to purity, finesse, and balance. Each wine in our portfolio stands as a tribute to Napa Valley’s heritage, crafted with profound respect for the land and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

Our approach to winemaking and hospitality encourage continued growth and graceful evolution. Our attention to detail in the vineyard coupled with a gentle winemaking philosophy allow us to produce wines with elevated purity that reflect the place the grapes were grown.'

Grape Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec

Sustainable