Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2021

If you drive along Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail, you might notice the large, Cape Dutch–style Chimney Rock winery in the Stags Leap District. The legendary Philip Togni made the winery’s debut 1984 and 1985 vintages. The Terlato family bought it in 2000, assuming full control in 2004. They installed Elizabeth Vianna as head winemaker in 2005. Vianna is among the vanguard of winemakers in Napa embracing more holistic farming, including ending herbicide use in the vineyards. The 2021s here are her best set of wines yet, all derived from 100 percent estate fruit. This wine’s case production is ample, and its price reasonable for the category.

Tasting Note

Super lush and polished in feel, with creamy-textured açaí, mulberry and cassis notes gliding through slowly. Laced with alluring hints of violet, iris and anise, this offers a melted licorice note on the finish, but the fruit wins out easily. Drink now through 2037.—James Molesworth