2021 Fortunate Son ‘The Warrior’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

TWI98 The 2021 The Warrior Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard expression. Deep garnet-purple colored, it shoots from the glass with shimmery notes of red currant jelly, black currant preserves, and blackberry pie, followed by nuances of camphor, licorice, and rose oil, with a bright spark of graphite. The full-bodied palate has a wonderfully velvety texture and great freshness supporting the tight-knit black and red berry layers, finishing long and earthy. Beautiful!

DEC98 This is the first step into Hundred Acre territory — an entry point before graduating to the higher prices of the main label. It’s pretty profound. The aromas are intense, with gorgeous scorched earth, sagebrush, blood orange, and flamed grapefruit zest. Jayson Woodbridge often talks about walking through the vineyard and inspecting each cluster. He will do 5-7 passes, picking just a fraction of the fruit with each pass — perhaps only 1/10th — ensuring that all the fruit is perfect. Rich, earthy notes of black truffle come through, with the wine being full-bodied, underpinned by a deep vein of fragrant, mineral-scented tannins, salty crushed stones, and a framework of racy acidity that promises longevity. This is an iron fist Cabernet, profoundly structured with exotic layers of fruit, spices, florals, and a wealth of ironstone minerals. Swelling with full-bodied richness, it offers creamy-textured blackberry and cherry fruit, liquorice and hints of un-smoked tobacco. Jayson Woodbridge, the founder of Hundred Acre, purchased the David Fulton Vineyard in St. Helena on Fulton Lane. A winery on-site now serves as the home of Fortunate Son, with 6 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon vines managed by Jim Barbour. In 2023, Woodbridge appointed his son Cameron as cellar master.

Estate Notes: The Warrior is Moody with deep dark black cherry Hughes. It charges out of the glass with bold notes of black plums and blackberries that slowly uncover Madagascar vanilla bean and dark roast coffee. The full body pallet is muscular, showcasing powerful, yet fine tenants that support the fresh stone fruits. The long and captivating finish is highlighted with sparks of mineral. Pure, total power in darkness. Be careful as you might like it too much and it could put you in the mood to tell people what you really think.