2021 Saint Helena Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Sympa
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Tasting notes
As with all the wines here, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sympa is all estate fruit, and it's 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and a splash of Cabernet Franc. Ripe red and black fruits (red plums, cherries), graphite, and tobacco, as well as a kiss of chocolaty oak, all define the aromatics, and it’s medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, has ripe tannins, and tons of charm. I'm not sure on the price, but I suspect this will be a good value.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sympa comes from what consultant Aaron Pott calls the best block in the vineyard. Yielding just 1.3 tons per acre, it boasts brighter, redder fruit than the other two bottlings, with a hint of sage. Full-bodied and plush in feel, it somehow remains fresh and vibrant, finishing long and velvety. Terrific stuff.
The 2021 Sympa is packed with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather. This generous, pliant Cabernet deftly marries fruit intensity with structure. I would give it a year or two to settle, as the tannins are a bit imposing at this stage.