2021 Erikson & Caradin Ivy & Thistle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The Erikson & Caradin story began with the 2013 vintage when these two passionate wine lovers crafted a wine that was exclusively shared with friends and esteemed restaurants in the area. As the years unfolded, so did their ambition. In 2016, they obtained access to a greater quantity of fruit, increasing their production from 85 cases to 264 cases. And so, the dream was born.

The folks behind Erikson & Caradin know that soil, elevation, and climate are key ingredients in making outstanding wine. When mixed with expert know-how, these elements create truly remarkable wines.

They are experts in making wines that truly represent their unique terroir, which is exactly what winemaker Kevin Morrisey is achieving. With a rich background that includes working at Chateau Petrus, Stags' Leap, Etude, and Ehlers Estate, Kevin certainly knows his stuff.

Their goal is simple: source the most remarkable Cabernet parcels from the most prestigious regions, setting a new benchmark of quality.

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."

Crafted with precision, this wine begins its journey in concrete vessels before maturing in a blend of 60% New French Oak and 40% second-use barrels. The result? A harmonious balance of velvety tannins and fruit spice, with a soft yet dynamic profile. Sourced from 60% Atlas Peak and 40% Oakville vineyards, it's a wine of refined elegance and edgy complexity.

Aging: 60% New French Oak and 40% second-use barrels.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Lots of red and black fruits, camphor, leather, and some bloody, iron-like nuances emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Ivy & Thistle, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, round, nicely textured beauty that has ripe tannins and terrific overall balance. ~93+ Jeb Dunnuck

Aromas of cassis and ripe blackberries with dark chocolate and sweet spices with bark undertones. Full-bodied, deep and creamy with fine, velvety tannins and a long, persistent finish. Attractive now, but better after two or three years. ~92 James Suckling

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