Gagnon Kennedy Vineyards 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Marc Gagnon and Michael Kennedy approach their Napa Valley Cuvée as a symphony composed from the historic single vineyards they work with across the valley. When looking at the entire Napa Valley appellation, the terroir is wildly diverse - from warm to cool, mountain to valley floor. The goal of this wine is to be a Gagnon-Kennedy interpretation of the valley in totality. It includes their home vineyard, the Caldwell in Coombsville, plus Beckstoffer Georges III in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper and the Old Federal Block in Oakville, and Samuel Brannan in Calistoga. -- World's Best Sommeliers Selection

Vintage Summary: The 2021 Vintage can be classified as a severe drought year here in Napa Valley (and throughout California). With only 7.3" of rain from January to March, bud break was early, and bloom had higher stress than typical - leading to a smaller crop. Currently, I'm drawing comparisons in the cellar to the 2015 vintage, but with much less heat towards the end of the growing season, helping retain freshness and varietal expression and individuality. I'm also finding similarities to the 2013 vintage, one of the most exceptional vintages in history, and I foresee the 2021 vintage to be known for its structure, precision, and long-term age-ability.

-- Marc Gagnon, Winemaker