93-95 Points - The Wine Independent
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
First made in 2019 and focused on sites in Calistoga, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Igneous, Blocks Ba2, L9, Cdm comes from a handful of vineyards (as well as parcel selections) and was aged 19 months in 85% new French oak. It has lots of red and black fruits as well as textbook Calistoga savoriness, herbal, chocolate, and mineral-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied and balanced, with terrific purity and outstanding length, this ranks with the top handful of wines at this price point.
Born from fire and magmatic rock, Igneous Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to the volcanic nature of the Calistoga Growing District. Situated at the gateway of the Napa River headwaters and the alluvial base of Mount Saint Helena, we find magmatic forces that jettison healing hot springs, mineral rich soils, and a slightly warmer than average growing environment.Ideal conditions for producing perfection in the glass!
THREE DISTINCT VINEYARD BLOCKS: BA2 | Venge’s Bone Ash Vineyard Block 2, Calistoga Estate LC9 | Larkmead’s Estate Vineyard Block 9, Calistoga CDM | Cavey Vineyard’s Diamond Mountain Estate, Calistoga
Winemaker's Notes
This is the second vintage of this wine as we lean into the production of our Calistoga District Cabernet Sauvignon. I chose to highlight our home district due to it distinct variation in soil topography (from gravelly bed, to benchland tufa, to mountain volcanics) and growing climate, at 15 degrees warmer on average than the southernmost Carneros District. This is a heartier, more moderately tannic style of wine due to the heavy influence of Diamond Mountain in this wine. Fans of old-school producers such as Diamond Creek Vineyard and Reverie will enjoy that style influence which forms the base of this wine. The bottom layer is complimented by the softening and ripening effects in the midlayers we enjoy from our Bone Ash Vineyard Block 2. Finally, the acid and vibrancy we get from the gravelly soils from Larkmead Block LC9 round out the top edges quite nicely, achieving a distinct harmony among all the parts. What a wonderful addition to our allocated lineup!
This wine begins with wonderful purple color and aromatics that fall within the black fruit spectrum. Blackberry preserve and currant syrup fill the senses and pique curiosity. As this wine opens up, the background notes of sweet vanillin and earth come forth. The palate is firm and polished with a wonderful glide from start to finish. Boy this wine has some power! Cassis, anise, dried currant, blackberry and black cherry are all intertwined. The acid and tannins are perfectly balanced, creating a savory texture that causes a desire for more. Delicious!
PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS
Method | Hand Picked and Destemmed Via Pellenc Sorting System, 100% Gravity Flow to Concrete Diamond and Open Top Fermenters, Utilizing 100% Native Yeast Primary and Secondary Fermentations Over 18 Days with Extended Macerations of 21-28 days, Diaphragm Air Pumps (Forced Air Pressure)—Bulldogging— and Transfers Via Gravity Only, Gentle Barrel-To-Tank Racking. Bottled unfiltered. Aging Regimen | 85% New French Oak, 15% Used Quantity Produced | 894 Cases
