2021 MASTODON 1.5L
Oakville Ranch sits 1400’ high above Napa Valley on the eastern slopes. The organically farmed vineyard is strewn with ancient volcanic rock outcroppings and is bathed in all-day sunlight. The vines produce low yield, small-berried clusters of incredible Cabernet Sauvignon. Mastodon is a selection of one exceptional barrel from my Oakville Ranch lot that I believe captures the personality of this remarkable vineyard as well as vintage year.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes:
The 2021 vintage was characterized by perfect growing conditions which were ideal for producing world class wines. Starting with significant precipitation that increased soil moisture and fueled by a long warm summer which lacked the typical extreme heat events, produced extended fruit hang time. The slow even harvest conditions resulted in highly pigmented wines characterized by great acidity and resolved tannins. A classic vintage with only 120 bottles produced.
The 2021 Mastodon is a single barrel of Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon blended from my favorite blocks and barrel aged for 20 months. The result is a ridiculously aromatic wine revealing gobs of black and purple fruits with black cherries, crème de cassis, strawberries, crushed rock, and interlacing aromas of black raspberry jam. Nuances of black cardamon, mocha, roasted tree nuts, tobacco, and suede, further propels the aromatic complexity. Mastodon is a wine that embodies elegance, power, and balance. The seamless expression of full throttle yet seamless black and purple fruit flavors is framed by great acidity and velvety melting tannins. A beautiful example of the impeccable fruit quality of Oakville Ranch. This wine is drinking beautifully now and will age effortlessly over the next 20 years.
Press:
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mastodon is a single barrel wine. Inky dark fruit, leather, licorice, rose petal and cedar open with some coaxing. Like all the 2021s here, the Mastodon is quite closed, but it also has more than enough depth to drink well with minimal cellaring. In 2021, this fruit is from two blocks of Oakville Ranch. 96 Points, Antonio Galloni