2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bacchus Vineyard

So many times we have said that no two vintages are the same, and that was certainly the case with the vintage of 2021, which was by far the first of its kind. It started out as a relatively warm growing season, resulting in an early bud break. The season was moving along with nothing unusual until the end of June, when a heat dome settled in on Washington and Oregon. Temperatures reaching 118°F in some locations, and 115°F on the west side of the Cascade mountains, were unheard of and stifling. In general, when temperatures continue to climb above 100°F, the vines will slow their development to conserve water and energy. Because the vines were further along in their growth cycle when the heat set in, berry and cluster sizes were smaller than usual. While this resulted in a smaller crop, flavor was abundant.

As with all of our red varieties, we sort very carefully by hand on the way in to the destemmer and also on the output side. For the style of wine that we make, it is crucial that as little green stem material as possible remains in the fruit, since, during fermentation, those green and edgy characters can become part of the flavor profile of the wine. We do this process by hand. While we could employ a machine, what fun would that be?! Wonderful camaraderie is had each year on the sorting table.

We have worked with Bacchus Vineyard for more vintages than any other vineyard in the state, and it continues to be the pillar of our Bordeaux varieties. Planted in 1972, these old vines go deep. Their roots go deep, the flavors go deep, and the style is like a long velvet glove. Lush flavors of blackberry, Marion berry, and plum lead the way wrapping your palate in rich, round, mouth-coating flavor. Floral notes of lilac meld with just a suggestion of eucalyptus. The vintage of 2021 is one for the ages, as in be sure to put some away. It is perfectly suited too age.
John Abbott – Winemaker