The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is deep garnet-purple colored. It comes galloping out of the glass with energetic notes of minted blackberries, cassis, and crushed rocks plus hints of candied violets and cracked black pepper. The full-bodied palate delivers mouthcoating minty black fruits with a fine-grained texture and well-knit freshness, finishing with a savory lift.
93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Feb 2024)
A wonderfully classic expression of Napa Cabernet from Rombauer in 2021, leading with blackberry, cherry, liquorice, graphite, and cedarwood. Medium-bodied with pure blackberry fruit, baking spices, creme de cassis, and red currants with a long lingering finish. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Cab Franc aged 16 months in French oak (75% new). Koerner Rombauer moved to Napa Valley in 1972. He had no intentions of getting into the winery business and became a partner in Conn Creek Winery in 1976, but had his garage bonded as a winery. Officially bitten by the wine bug, Kerner sold his interests in Conn Creek in 1980, made the first Rombauer wines at Shafer, and stored them in his bonded winery garage. A little side note: Koerner's great aunt Irma Rombauer wrote 'The Joy of Cooking'.
93 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Dec 2023)
This delivers a plumpish core of gently warmed cassis and plum sauce flavors laced with cocoa powder and mesquite hints. Tilts toward toasty in the end, but there’s good energy. For fans of the style. Drink now through 2034. 9,907 cases made.
92 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Jul 2025)
Almost entirely estate grown, Rombauer's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon does include a bit of purchased fruit from Blair (Calistoga) and Renteria 360 (Oakville). Marked by scents of cherries, cedar and dusty earth, this wine is full-bodied, supple and silky, with softly dusty tannins on the finish.
91 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
Aromas of ripe fruits and cedar follow into flavors of cassis, mountain herbs, and earthy accents. Powdery fine tannins and a smooth mouthfeel complete the wine.
91 points, Elaine Chukan Brown, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2025)
Top Quality Store
