2021 Clif Family Valle di Soto Cabernet Blend Oak Knoll District Napa Valley

Clif Family Winery has always done things differently. Born from the same minds behind Clif Bar—yes, the energy bar that fueled a generation of adventurers—this is a winery shaped by passion, sustainability, and a deep-rooted respect for land and lifestyle.

The 2021 Valle di Sotto Proprietary Red is a milestone release: the first vintage from the family’s estate vineyard in the Oak Knoll District. Grown organically, farmed responsibly, and bottled with purpose, it captures the spirit of a new Napa—one where integrity meets innovation. It’s a wine made for conversation—and for cellaring.

“The Winery That Just Revved Its Game”

That’s how Robb Report described Clif Family’s latest chapter, following a tasting of small-lot wines crafted from their estate vineyards on Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll.

“The creators of Clif Bars have a winery that just revved its game with a couple of small estate vineyards... what began as an array of broadly sourced, large blends has evolved into a new vision.”

This bottling is that vision realized. Small production. Estate grown. Farmed with intention. Crafted with restraint.

At the helm is Laura Barrett, one of Napa’s rising stars. A chemist-turned-winemaker, Laura earned her master’s in Viticulture & Enology at UC Davis before honing her craft under Napa legend Mia Klein at Fisher Vineyards. She went on to lead winemaking at Casey Flat Ranch before joining Clif Family in 2014.

Her philosophy is simple: let the vineyard speak. Under her guidance, Clif Family’s wines have shifted from broad-stroke blends to finely etched expressions of site—each bottle reflecting the landscape it comes from, with minimal intervention and maximum authenticity.

The Valle di Sotto Vineyard lies in the sweet spot of Oak Knoll, where Napa’s cool southern climate preserves freshness, and the days are long enough to coax ripeness from Bordeaux varieties. Certified organic and Napa Green–certified, the vineyard is a cornerstone of Clif Family’s deep commitment to sustainability.

From the soil to the cellar, this wine reflects the ethos of a company that has always stood for something bigger than the bottle.

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."

This limited release is built on bold Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s that splash of Cab Franc that takes it to the next level—adding just enough spice and herbal lift to make it truly special. This is for people who love the spicy, lightly herbal character that Cab Franc brings.

Aging: 22 months in French oak barrels (80% new)

81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot.  Cabernet Sauvignon leads the way, supported by a deft splash of Cabernet Franc, lending aromatic lift and earthy tension. Aromas of cedar, cocoa, and tobacco unfold into layers of blackberry, fresh herbs, and warm toffee. The mouthfeel is sleek yet powerful, the finish long and savoury—think baked bread crust and dark berry compote.

A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of Cab Franc, Mabec, and Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 80% new French oak. Silky and sensual, with woodsy, animale notes that unfold to reveal tobacco, Worcestershire, anise, and molasses. The liquid coats the tongue with a black-peppered, boysenberry ganache wrapped in streamlined tannins. ~96 Points - The Tasting Panel Magazine - Meredith May

The 2021 Red Blend, composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot, is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, note of black raspberries, mulberries, and baked blackcurrants emerge from the glass, plus nuances of tapenade, black truffles, and star anise. The full-bodied palate has bright acidity and gently chewy tannins to support the vibrant black fruits, finishing with an herbal lift. Drink 2024 - 2042. ~94+ Points - Lisa Perroti-Brown, The Wine Independent

Reserved in style, with a flash of warm earth leading off, followed by a core of warmed plum reduction and black currant preserves. Subtle hints of mint, tobacco and worn cedar peek through on the finish and give this an old-school feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2037. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 912 cases made. ~93 Wine Spectator

~93 Points - Gold - 2024 Sunset International Wine Competition

Dark fruit and dried herbs with hints of cured meat and ground spices. A little earthy, too. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and sleek on the palate with fine, supple tannins. Creamy finish. Better from 2025. ~92 James Suckling

From the Oak Knoll region just north of the town of Napa, the 2021 Proprietary Red Blend is based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Verdot. It's a much more herbal effort revealing classy darker fruits as well as notes of sappy tobacco, jalape o, and chocolate. There are some clear pyrazines here, but the wine holds things together and is medium to full-bodied, balanced, and has outstanding length. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck

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