96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Secret Garden is packed with black fruit, gravel, incense, scorched earth, licorice, dried herbs and menthol. Ample, potent and explosive, with real substance and tons of structure.”
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Secret Garden is packed with black fruit, gravel, incense, scorched earth, licorice, dried herbs and menthol. Ample, potent and explosive, with real substance and tons of structure." - 96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Part of the same Gravel Series as the winery's The Vow and Scholar's Gate bottlings, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Secret Garden comes from an Oakville vineyard. With the same aging regimen—85% new French oak for 20 months—the big difference is the location... Scents of pencil shavings and blackberries dominate the nose, while the full-bodied palate is... seemingly age-worthy." - 94 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
A stunning ruby color in the glass, this wine is bursting forth with aromas of black currant and black cheery with a subtle note of sage. Ripe, concentrated flavors of blackberry, plum, and cherry mingle with beautiful earthy notes of mushroom and a touch of dusty cocoa. The fruit and acidity work harmoniously together to deliver a mouthwatering wine with great structure and a coating mouthfeel. The silky tannins lead to a strikingly long finish and ensure this wine, while enjoyable young, will continue to develop complexity with age over the next 20+ years.
The Gravel Streak: The soil of our Oakville site lies on a gravelly base overlaid with alluvial soils washed down from the Mayacamas mountain range. The gravelly foundation provides excellent water drainage, while a subtle slope allows excess water to flow into the Napa River; a perfect combination for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. This site experiences more maritime influence, with the fog layer lingering later in the morning and arriving earlier in the evening, leading to slightly cooler days and nights. These mild conditions produce wines with an elegant flavor profile and structure.
Spring brings an abundance of fresh flavors, making it the perfect time to enjoy vibrant, herbaceous dishes. This Herbed Lamb with Peas and Carrots is an elegant addition to your Easter table, showcasing tender rack of lamb encrusted in fragrant herbs, complemented by a creamy English pea purée and roasted spring vegetables. Pair it with…
