Legendary winemaker Mike Grgich passed away at 100 in December of 2023. Acting as winemaker emeritus practically until his passing, he had a hand in shaping this blend. Today, his nephew, Croatian-born Ivo Jeramaz, manages day-to-day winemaking operations. The 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Rutherford and Calistoga. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc was aged 20 months in 100% French oak. It's a fashionable, complex, and complete wine showing a deep ruby-purple in the glass and attractive aromas of spiced blackberries, kirsch, perfumed violets, cassis, and tobacco spices. Medium-bodied with compact, juicy dark fruits and firm, elongated, elegant tannins and iron-like minerality on the length finish.
95 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (May 2024)