2021 CATHEDRAL RESERVE

2021 CATHEDRAL RESERVE

Only produced in exceptional vintages, and in quantities more scarce than my other offerings, the Cathedral Reserve is the finest single barrel reserved from The Organist. Once selected, this wine is held for additional aging in 100% New Rare Darnajou French Oak for 25 months. This Bordeaux style blend combines the power of Cabernet Sauvignon with the suppleness of Merlot and the silky texture of Malbec; together they craft this singular and quintessential red wine. 

TASTING NOTES

To the eyes the 2021 Cathedral Reserve is a beaming shade of cardinal red. The nose is effusive with notes of crushed raspberries, black cherry, leather, incense, and vanilla. The entry is bright and buoyant, leading to a round and custard-like palate. The pure sweetness of Santa Rosa Plums harmonizes with notes of Crème de Framboise and fresh baked yellow cake. The finish is palatial and resonant, multidimensional, and ethereal. This enchanting proprietary red wine will satiate the palate now and over the next 15+ years.

WINEMAKING

Composition – A Proprietary Red Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Malbec

Vineyards – Georges III, A&D, Last Light 

Harvest – September 4^th & 15^th, 2021

Brix at Harvest – 24.8

Maceration – 12 Days | Max Fermentation Temperature 90F

Aging – 25 Months in Rare, 100% New Darnajou French Oak

VINEYARDS & VINTAGE

This first release of the Cathedral Reserve is based on combining the plush characteristics of valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the dark and brooding characteristics of Mt. Veeder Malbec. The Merlot comes from the A&D Vineyard in Oak Knoll district and was planted in 1986. Now under the meticulous direction of Kashy Khaledi and viticulturist Steve Matthiasson, this Merlot outranks many Napa Cabernets. About 10 miles to the North, in Rutherford, lies a beautiful 161-acre vineyard that has a fabled history. Elizabeth Rutherford first planted this vineyard in 1895 and it has crafted some of the most iconic Napa Valley Cabernets ever since. Finally, the Malbec comes from high above the valley floor, atop Mt. Veeder at 1,700 ft elevation. Planted in 2000, the Last Light Vineyard sports low yields of this concentrated grape variety that brings wild and fresh dark fruits characteristics to the blend.

2021 started off with a mild and relatively dry winter in the valley. Dry conditions continued into the growing season which resulted in lower yields and smaller grape berries than the previous several vintages. The summer was warm and long with few heat spikes and cool nights, creating ideal weather for concentrated and balanced flavors. Harvest was smooth and steady allowing for the maximum care and attention to be taken through the process. The vintage will be remembered for its intense flavors, concentration, and age worthiness. 

Matthew Dempsey

Proprietor & Winemaker