92pts James Suckling

Notes of dark cherries, blackberries, walnuts, ground cloves and cedar on the nose. Full-bodied, structured and firm, with very fine tannins that are still a little tight and mellow fruit character. Chalky finish. Better after 2026.

90pts Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe black fruits, ripe herbs, scorched earth, and graphite notes all emerge from the Hill Family's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium-bodied effort displaying the vintage's dense, concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest nearly equal parts Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, it s a classic, balanced, satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the coming 10-12 years.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is carefully blended to give power and balance. We appreciate the opportunity to use high elevations (Baker Vineyard in Atlas Peak is at 1,200 ft.) with their intense tannins and color, then blend and civilize them with vineyards from the valley floor and cooler areas. 2021 had many hot spells all the way into October, so the sugars outran the tannins in development. The unevolved tannins had to be softened with Merlot and Malbec, and even the Petit Verdot had softer tannins than the Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a big intense wine from a low crop fast ripening drought year, but we are all lion tamers at Hill Family Estate, and we are sure this wine will be enjoyed for years to come. The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromas of ripe berries, cassis, and mocha. Rich fruit and ripe tannins define the style of this wine. 

Blend : 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot