Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon rolls out of the glass with expressive scents of freshly crushed black cherries, warm cassis, and juicy blackberries followed by hints of menthol, dark chocolate, licorice, and cinnamon stick plus a fragrant waft of violets. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with vibrant black fruits and loads of baking spice sparks, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing very long and achingly perfumy. 946 cases were made.
100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Nov 2023)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is fascinating to taste next to the Extended Age bottling. It offers a bit more aromatic presence and brightness. A burst of plum, violet, lavender and cinnamon opens. Energy and tension abound. What a wine. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage.
99 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Dec 2024)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in 70% new French oak, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon VHR sports a dense purple hue to go with a stunning nose of blackcurrants, charcoal, leafy tobacco, and violet. This beauty is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, has a great core of tannins, and a killer finish. This will probably merit a triple-digit rating in 5-7 years and is a brilliant wine as well as a possible 30+-year legend in the making.
98+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2023)
Scheduled to be released in February 2024, VHR's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is another fabulous wine from the Phillips family and winemaker Françoise Peschon. On the nose, it's a bit restrained, with a subtle herbal perfume, hints of peppery spice and a concentrated mix of red and black cherries. In the mouth, the wine is similarly composed and polite, being medium to full-bodied, silky and taut in feel, balanced and elegant on the lingering finish.
98 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jan 2024)
A deep well of gorgeous flavors -- raspberry, boysenberry, mulberry and black currant preserves -- sparkle in this red, with anise, violet and wood spice hints throughout. All of that is riveted to a terrific graphite spine running from start to finish, where a flash of cast iron peeks in. As the fruit lingers, a subtle echo of hibiscus provides a suave counterpoint. This encapsulates the best aspects of the vintage. Best from 2025 through 2045. 946 cases made.
98 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Sep 2024)
#97 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2024
Lots of black fruits, lead pencil, graphite, and ink pot. Currants. Black earth. Some bark. Medium-bodied with chewy yet polished tannins with a minerally undertone. Hints of black mushrooms. Juicy and reserved at the end. Lots of freshness and structure at the same time. Good grip in the finish. Try after 2026.
98 points, James Suckling (Nov 2023)
A fabulously classic and tightly knit Cabernet. Expressive bouquet of black cherry fruit, sandalwood, sagebrush, and graphite notes. Laser focused on the palate with pure red and black-toned fruit laced with tobacco. Beautifully sculpted tannins are fine-grained and help broaden the palate, and the finish is fueled by classic Oakville iron-like minerality. Crafted by winemaker Françoise Peschon.
98 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Dec 2023)
Top Quality Store
