Crossbarn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

An alluring red, with a menthol note out front, followed by a slow-moving core of boysenberry and blackberry reduction flavors. Shows ample anise and bramble through the grippy, toasty finish, where the menthol note takes an encore. Best from 2025 through 2035.

Blended from Coombsville and Calistoga fruit, Crossbarn's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a terrific bargain, made by Paul Hobbs. It's purple-fruited, with scents of cassis, blackberries and blueberries framed by hints of vanilla and cedar on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with a long, softy dusty finish. With just 8% new French oak—the bulk of the barrels are second and third use—the quality of the fruit really shines through.

Mouthwatering and flavorful, this satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon greets the palate with flavors of black plum, wet tobacco, and dark hot chocolate. Powdery palate coating tannins enliven a spiced and lengthy, long finish.