A juicy and flavorful red with real Napa character from vineyards in Calistoga and Coombsville. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Currant and hints of mint. But reserved and focused. Shows tension. Drink or hold.
94 points, James Suckling (Nov 2023)
Night harvested by hand, then cold-soaked for 5 days, before a 30-day maceration, native yeast fermented, aged 18 months in 13% new oak, bottled unfilned. Incredibly fragrant notes of bay laurel, black olive, dried sage, and sandalwood lift out of the glass. Wonderfully vibrant and fresh, and full on the palate, with dark berry fruits and chocolaty notes mingling with the aromatic bay laurel to create a minty through line, resolving with chalky tannins and earth notes tinged with a lingering bright and zesty spice character.
94 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Jun 2024)
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. 8,900 cases made.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Jul 2024)
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.
92 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jan 2024)
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.
92 points, Elaine Chukan Brown, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2024)