The Setting “Rockpile Ridge” Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The 2021 Rockpile Ridge is an exceptional mountain Cabernet, with a particularly strong set of professional scores:
- Owen Bargreen — 98/100: Seamless and surprisingly soft on the palate despite its power, with bright acidity, stony tones and rich cassis. Bargreen calls it “stunning” and recommends 2024–2044.
- Jeb Dunnuck — 96/100: Brooding and powerful, showing graphite, scorched earth, black plum, savory richness and toasted rosemary. Dense, intense and tannic, with a long, earthy finish; needs several years to show its best.
- Wine Advocate — 96/100: A wild, savory expression with blackcurrant, herbs, dried mushrooms, sandalwood and cigar notes. Full-bodied and powerful, with chalky tannins and fresh acidity. The critic recommends 5+ years in bottle.
- James Suckling — 95/100: Mountain Cabernet character with sage, pine needle and dark fruit, supported by chewy tannins but balanced by soft, bright fruit. Better in 2–3 years.
- International Wine Report — 97/100: The score is also reported by a current retailer, alongside the 98 Bargreen, 96 Dunnuck, 96 Wine Advocate and 95 Suckling scores.
Overall assessment
Professional consensus: ~97/100
This is a serious, age-worthy Rockpile Cabernet rather than a plush, immediately accessible California Cab. The combination of high elevation, rocky volcanic soils and very concentrated fruit produces substantial tannin, mineral character and savory complexity. The wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, adding another layer of richness and structure.
My rating: 97/100
Drinking window: 2027–2044+. It is already impressive, but I'd favor patience; the critics consistently indicate that the tannins need time to integrate.
Style: Powerful, dark, mineral-driven and savory, with cassis/black fruit, graphite, herbs, earth, rosemary and substantial tannins.
