2021 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley exemplifies the winery’s dedication to crafting balanced and expressive wines.
Tasting Notes
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Aroma: Enticing scents of sweet blackberries, dried Mission figs, black cherries, blackberry coulis, toasted vanillin, and a hint of cigar box.
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Palate: Rich and velvety tannins envelop flavors of dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plums, mixed berry pie, and toasted walnuts, leading to a lingering finish.
Food Pairing
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with hearty dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or roasted lamb. For a vegetarian option, consider a wild mushroom risotto or eggplant parmesan, which will complement the wine’s rich fruit and tannin structure.
Vineyard Technical Specifications
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Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
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Appellation: Napa Valley
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Harvest Period: Late September to October 2021
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Fermentation: Whole-berry fermentation with a cold soak at 45˚F for 4-7 days to enhance color, aroma, and flavor extraction. Fermentation temperature maintained at 82˚F with regular pump-overs.
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Aging: Aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral oak barrels.
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Alcohol Content: 14.8%
The 2021 vintage experienced a mild winter with limited rainfall, leading to early bud break in March. A warm and extended summer allowed for even ripening, while drought conditions resulted in lower yields with concentrated flavors. Harvest occurred from late September into October, producing grapes with excellent balance and depth.
This wine is enjoyable upon release and has the potential to evolve gracefully with cellar aging through 2040.