2021 Grand Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley

Grand Napa Vineyards is located in the heart of Rutherford, near the foot of Mt. St. John in the Mayacamas mountain range. From Grand Napa’s home in Rutherford, Winemaker, Dwight Bonewell, sources fruit from the best vineyards in Napa Valley, including some of its other most prestigious sub-appellations––Diamond Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Oakville, Atlas Peak, and Carneros. Dwight is involved in every step of the winemaking process at Grand Napa because ultimately, it’s the commitment of the winemaker that separates the mediocre wines from the memorable. When you uncork A Grand Napa wine and decant it, when you look at its legs as it clings to your glass, when its fragrance and taste marry as they dance across your palate, and when your delight lingers in its finish, you will have discovered the treasures of Grand Napa Vineyards.

But there is more. Within the Napa appellation are 17 unique sub-appellations, and at its very heart, you will find Rutherford, home of Grand Napa Vineyards. Flanked by the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain Ranges, this small, verdant valley with its chalky, dusty soil and perfect Mediterranean climate produces many of Napa’s most sought-after wines. Extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons and creamy Chardonnays are born here, but Cabernet Sauvignon is king. André Tchelistcheff, the master winemaker who shepherded California into its brilliant new era of winemaking saw the importance of Rutherford this way: “It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.” This is the home of Grand Napa Vineyards.

When you think of Howell Mountain, big names like Dunn and Outpost come to mind.These wines, often priced well above $100 and sometimes soaring to $350, hail from one of the world's most coveted terroirs. Grand Napa has all the qualities if these luxury brands, minus the price tag. 

2021 is looking to be one of the vintages of the decade. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 95-98 point score, and said: "Two thousand twenty-one is a fabulous vintage in Napa Valley. That’s the good news. The not so good news is that production is down sharply, 30-50% in many cases. The wines have tremendous energy as well as finesse. In tasting, the 2021s show some of the savory intensity of other drought vintages – 2013 and 2014 come to mind – but with more aromatic explosiveness and greater inner sweetness."

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This private reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a thing of beauty. It's deep purple hue is mesmerizing, and its aromas of rich oak and luscious vanilla will transport you to a luxurious forest. The palate is full and complex, with a delightful interplay of acidity and tannins. The finish is long and lingering, leaving you wanting more. This wine is perfect for a special occasion. Pair it with a grilled steak or a hearty stew, and let the flavors dance on your tongue.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is made in a firm, tannic, classic style. Mixed cherries appear on the nose, accented by hints of pine needles. Only medium-bodied, it's structured and streamlined, with ample length and dusty tannins on the finish. ~92+ Robert Parker

Dark plums, spiced cherries, violets, dried herbs and warm spices on the nose. Full-bodied with firm tannins. There is a crunchy blue fruit character at the center and a more serious frame of tannins around the edges. Layered with a focused finish with excellent length. Better from 2026. ~92 James Suckling

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain reveals a vivid purple/ruby hue as well as a beautiful nose of fresh plums, darker berries, graphite, leafy herbs, and underbrush, with some classic Howell Mountain tannins and structure on the palate. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it's nicely balanced, has good freshness, and an outstanding finish. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck