2021 Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is serious stuff and I would certainly put it in the same league as the 2016 and 2019, although it has a style all its own. Incredible blue fruits, lavender, orange blossom, tobacco, and a bloody, iron-like character all define the full-bodied 2021. It brings that “iron fist in a velvety glove” like character and is incredibly concentrated yet flawlessly balanced. It will probably merit another point in 5-7 years and will be a 30+ year wine.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The most structured of the 2021s from Dana Estates is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard. It's a firm, full-bodied effort that ideally needs several years in the cellar but can already be appreciated for its intermingled layers of cassis, blueberries and cherries accented by hints of licorice and bay leaves. In a decade's time, my rating may seem conservative as the tannins smooth out to reveal more silkiness on the long, mocha-tinged finish.
I also loved the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard, a beautifully complex, layered Napa Cabernet. Cassis, red and black currant, spice, tobacco, and sandalwood all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, layered, and seamless, with a focused style. It's already impossible to resist and is clearly more upfront than the Hershey's Vineyard.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is a captivating, exotic wine. Red cherry jam, Kirsch, blood orange, sweet spice and tobacco are beautifully amplified. In this tasting, the 2021 stands out for its mid-palate sweetness, creaminess and spice overtones. It is so expressive today.
About the producer
Located on the Rutherford bench, Dana Estates is a small Napa estate focused on producing fine, single-site Cabernet Sauvignon. The concentrated wines are some of the region’s most sought-after, regularly earning top ratings from critics – with 19 100-point scores to date.