Obsidian Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

2021 was a terrific vintage for Obsidian Ridge's Estate Cabernet, a leader in the Red Hills AVA of Lake County. Soils are a mix of black volcanic glass called Obsidian, and iron-rich, red-coloured weathered basalts, hence the AVA name. It's a place of extremes, hot days, cold nights, infertile, freely-draining soils and naturally low yielding vines, and it has taken nearly 20 years for Obsidian Ridge to really dial in the best viticulture and winemaking practices to extract the maximum from this uncommon terroir.

On the nose; coffee nibs, blueberries, and black pepper, but a shy side emerges after time in the glass: blackberries and a gentle floral lift. Flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and fresh blackberry are carried on silky tannins. 2017 is a riper, fuller, but quieter vintage.

Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec