The Wine Independent99

The 2021 Estate Red Blend is composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, all from the 12-acre Arkenstone Estate Vineyard, planted in 1998 and 1999. Deep garnet-purple in color, it swans out of the glass with wonderfully perfumy notes of violets, fragrant earth, and black raspberries leading to a core of warm cassis, underbrush, and mossy tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is so, so velvety, with floral and black fruit flavors intermingling, gripped by compelling tension, finishing long and mineral-laced. This is gorgeous! 650 cases were made.[Lisa Perrotti-Brown,28/03/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2052

Jeb Dunnuck98+

Coming all from the estate on Howell Mountain (which is farmed by the Arkenstone team), the 2021 Estate Red checks in as 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec that was brought up in 100% new barrels for 22 months. More tight and inward, it has a deep, darker profile of black cherries, currants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and chocolate that takes time to unwind. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has fine, velvety tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This beauty deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and is another fabulous wine from Sam that will evolve for 30+ years.[Jeb Dunnuck,26/12/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2058