100pts The Wine Independent

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon rolls out of the glass with expressive scents of freshly crushed black cherries, warm cassis, and juicy blackberries followed by hints of menthol, dark chocolate, licorice, and cinnamon stick plus a fragrant waft of violets. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with vibrant black fruits and loads of baking spice sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing very long and achingly perfumy. 946 cases were made.

98pts Jeb Dunnuck

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in 70% new French oak, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon VHR sports a dense purple hue to go with a stunning nose of blackcurrants, charcoal, leafy tobacco, and violet. This beauty is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, has a great core of tannins, and a killer finish. This will probably merit a triple-digit rating in 5-7 years and is a brilliant wine as well as a possible 30+-year legend in the making. 98+

98pts James Suckling

Lots of black fruits, lead pencil, graphite, and ink pot. Currants. Black earth. Some bark. Medium-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins with a minerally undertone. Hints of black mushrooms. Juicy and reserved at the end. Lots of freshness and structure at the same time. Good grip in the finish. Try after 2026.

98pts Wine Advocate

VHR's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is another fabulous wine from the Phillips family and winemaker Françoise Peschon. On the nose, it's a bit restrained, with a subtle herbal perfume, hints of peppery spice and a concentrated mix of red and black cherries. In the mouth, the wine is similarly composed and polite, being medium to full-bodied, silky and taut in feel, balanced and elegant on the lingering finish.

98pts Vinous

The 2021 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon is super polished. Freshly cut flowers, rose petal, lavender, and spice lend notable aromatic presence to the silky, nuanced wine. This is one of the most elegant wines I can remember tasting here even with the low yields and tiny berries. Silky, perfectly ripe tannins wrap around a core of red-purple fruit. Medium in body and wonderfully refined, 2021 is shaping up to be a gem. It is, quite simply, magnificent. My tasting at Vine Hill Ranch was one of the highlights of the time I spent in Napa Valley this fall. The wines were just sublime. Longtime winemaker Françoise Peschon crafts one of the most classically elegant Cabernets in Napa Valley, as evidenced by her superb 2021.98+ (AG)

98pts Wine Spectator

A deep well of gorgeous raspberry, boysenberry, mulberry and black currant preserve flavors sparkle in this red, with anise, violet and wood spice hints throughout. All that is riveted to a terrific graphite spine running from start to finish, where a flash of cast iron peaks in. As the fruit lingers, a subtle echo of hibiscus provides a suave counterpoint. This wine encapsulates the best aspects of the vintage.