2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
Our 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied classic with complex aromas of black currant, Bing cherry, roasted dates, smoked sandalwood, and hints of graphite. The palate offers a rich structure, fine-grained tannins, and balanced acidity. Flavors of cassis blend seamlessly with cherry cola, pipe tobacco, and subtle notes of seared leather, leading to a long, lingering finish of toasted oak and dark bramble berry.
Awards
2021 Vintage
93 Points, Paul Gregutt
92 Points, Vinous
91 Points, Decanter
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2020 Vintage
92 Points, Paul Gregutt
91 Points, James Suckling
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
90 Points, Vinous
90 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2021 vintage will be recorded as one the warmest in Washington State history. With a mild winter and a warm spring, we saw bud break during the second week of April, about 1 to 2 weeks earlier than average. Then we experienced a heat wave in late June that lasted roughly six weeks with over 35 days of 100°+ temperatures and some daily highs nearing 118° Fahrenheit. This period of extreme heat began when the grapes were in a cluster and berry size development stage, causing grapes to stress out weeks before we vintners would prefer. Smaller berry size led to an overall 30% reduction in crop size for us. On the bright side, these smaller berries produced phenomenal flavors. We also saw rapid ripening at a pace last seen in 2015, creating a very early harvest start. By the end of August, we had brought in nearly 150 tons of sparkling wine grapes and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, hands down an August record for us at Airfield. By the end of September, we had crushed every white varietal, which was beneficial for us in winemaking as we could then give 100% of our attention to red varietals. October started with nice warm temperatures, and the pace of grape harvesting was going very well, with ideal ripeness and exceptional quality. By the third week of October, we did see several freezing events causing our canopies to die. With only a limited amount of fruit remaining, it was easy for us to harvest the last remaining fruit before the end of October. In the end, the 2021 vintage made outstanding wine. Our red wines display dark fruit elements with structure and finesse. The wines created in 2021 will be enjoyable in their youth but also age-worthy, making a lasting impression.
Winemaking Notes
Our 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from the finest blocks of our estate vineyard. From winter through harvest, we meticulously manage the vineyard to ensure a small crop load, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and ripeness. Hand-harvested in late October, the grapes were destemmed, sorted with an optical sorter, and cold-soaked for 48 hours before being inoculated with three yeast strains. During fermentation, we focus on bold flavors and balanced structure by aggressively extracting early with aerated pump-overs and délestage, tapering off as alcohol develops to avoid over-extraction. After fermentation, the wine underwent a 17-day extended maceration to enhance dark fruit flavors, richness, and complexity. The free-run wine was separated from the press wine and then aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak and 15% 1 to 3-year-old French Oak. Malolactic fermentation followed by lees stirring over four months added softness and texture, creating a rounder mouthfeel. This meticulous process results in a bold, elegant Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with rich flavors and depth.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal by-products used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
Rosemary-Pepper Beef Rib Roast with Porcini Jus
Blue Cheese Burgers
Broiled Pork Chops with Sun-Dried Tomato & Chipotle Pesto
Aged Cheddar, Camembert or Roquefort
- Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Aging / Barrel Program: 22 months in 100% French oak (85% new, 15% 1-3 year)
- Cases Produced: 690
- Alcohol: 14.2%
- pH: 3.75
- Acidity: 6.0 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2040 with optimal maturity in 2036.