Crown Point Cabernet Sauvignon Happy Canyon 2021

Capturing the unique terroir of Crown Point's vineyards nestled on volcanic hillsides, the winery meticulously hand-selected grapes that underwent a 25-day fermentation in a combination of oak and concrete vessels. After fermentation, the wine matured for 22 months, with 50% of the time spent in new French oak barrels. This careful process resulted in a wine of incomparable character, highlighting finesse and complexity that truly embodies the essence of Crown Point's hillside vineyard.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics are defined by crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, spicy oak, and a graphite-like hint of lead pencil. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a perfectly balanced, pure, and multi-dimensional profile. Ultra-fine, gradually building tannins lead to a long, refined, yet powerful finish.

Wine Advocate: 93
Deriving from a selection of hillside blocks with the addition of Petit Verdot, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich, saturated and lavish nose of black fruits, milk chocolate, espresso and roasted barley. The palate fittingly matches the aromas with a slick, luxurious texture that concludes with a fragrant, creamy finish framed by sturdy, grainy tannins. While this is quite seductive in its textural precision, the decidedly constructed feel on display here feels a bit forced.

Wine Advocate: 93

Deriving from a selection of hillside blocks with the addition of Petit Verdot, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich, saturated and lavish nose of black fruits, milk chocolate, espresso and roasted barley. The palate fittingly matches the aromas with a slick, luxurious texture that concludes with a fragrant, creamy finish framed by sturdy, grainy tannins. While this is quite seductive in its textural precision, the decidedly constructed feel on display here feels a bit forced.

Wine Enthusiast: 96
Lush aromas of savory walnut, charred coffee husks and blackberry align on the nose of this luxury-level bottling. The palate is smoothly textured with expertly polished tannins that presents charred espresso, toasted herb and suave berry flavors. The wine slides down very easily.

Vinous: 96
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the finest wines I have tasted at Crown Point. Seamless and refined in the glass, the 2021 hits all the right notes. All the elements come together beautifully. Winemaker Simon Faury has managed to soften the strong, pungent notes typical of Happy Canyon while also reigning back the bombastic intensity of the early years here. The 2021 is sublime.

James Suckling: 94
So firm, layered and precise, an elegant, ageworthy wine that's balanced and concentrated. Cocoa, graphite, dark chocolate, dried blueberries, creme de cassis and spearmint. So much to enjoy in this beautiful polished and structured wine. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.

Jeb Dunnuck: 98
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated and checks in as 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. It's another jaw-droppingly good wine from this team. Crème de cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, spicy oak, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a flawlessly balanced, pure, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine yet building tannins, and a great finish. It's borderline perfection, and quite possibly the finest Bordeaux blend I've ever tasted from Santa Barbara County. Drink bottles any time over the coming 20-25 years.

Jeb Dunnuck: 98

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated and checks in as 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. It's another jaw-droppingly good wine from this team. Crème de cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, spicy oak, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a flawlessly balanced, pure, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine yet building tannins, and a great finish. It's borderline perfection, and quite possibly the finest Bordeaux blend I've ever tasted from Santa Barbara County. Drink bottles any time over the coming 20-25 years.