2021 Cathiard Vineyard ‘Founding Brothers’ Red Blend Napa Valley

DEC98 The 2021 Founding Brothers is the flagship red from Napa Valley’s Cathiard Vineyard, crafted from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, all from vines aged 20-30 years and aged 18 months in mostly medium toast Transais French oak barrels. Exquisite red florals lead the way on this nicely aromatic red, nuanced by savoury wild herbs and pops of liquorice and earth. The palate fruit is on the velvety side, with a medium body feel, great freshness, and a deep vein of ironstone minerals that last through a minute-long finish. That fruit is wonderfully pure and expressive—evoking spiced plums, cherries, and pomegranate—with tannins that feel intricate and super-fine, all woven together nicely and creating a smooth expression throughout.
JS96 This is a very transparent and aromatic wine with flowers, currants and citrus character. Some pine needles. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine and caresses your palate. Very fine and beautiful. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Better in two or three years but gorgeous now. Drink or hold.
TWI95 The 2021 Founding Brothers, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It prances out with showy notes of blackcurrant jelly, plum preserves, and wild blueberries plus hints of cardamom, iron ore, star anise, and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate delivers a firm, grainy texture and beautifully knit freshness to support the bright black and blue fruit layers, finishing long and mineral-laced.