ENKIDU
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
, ANSAR
Sonoma County

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast "Hidden Gem"

Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar.  The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors.  An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age.   Long and expressive with loads of flavor.  This is a classic example of perfectly balanced Cabernet with excellent fruit concentration.  Age-worthy, voluptuous, full-bodied with long plush tannins.  Wonderfully enjoyable now, this is a collector's wine, and we expect it to go 15+ years in the cellar.

VINEYARDS

Working with the Bismark and Viluko Vineyards high in the mountains of the Mayacamas range just above and to the north of Sonoma Valley.  Chosen barrels from Pine Mountain Vineyard were added further to the mountain fruit blend.  These vineyards sit high above the fog where the grapes benefit from abundant sunshine, with the cooling effect of the underlying sea breezes that rolls in during the summer months.  Perfect conditions were in line to produce Cabernet Sauvignon that were among the best in the region.

WINEMAKING

Enkidu set out to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest quality while maintaining the integrity of its origin.   After the fruit was hand harvested and destemmed, whole berries were transferred to small open top tanks to undergo a four day cold soak.  A 20% Saignée was performed early to concentrate the juice further.  Native fermentation commenced after 5 days until complete.  The lots were pressed after resting for 21 additional days.  The wines would age for 19 months in 70% specially selected new French oak.  Gentle rackings were performed with no fining.

VINTAGE

By all accounts, 2021 was an extraordinary vintage across the Sonoma appellations, yielding wines with depth, power, concentration and excellent acid retention, perfect for long-lived aging and a distinct sense of place. Marked by moderate weather, minimal heat spikes, and a long, stable weather pattern, which allowed for gradual and even ripening.  While the drought conditions of the previous years persisted, the absence of prolonged heat events resulted in a smooth harvest with naturally low yields, leading to more concentrated flavors and a powerful tannin structure in the wines.  The wines from this vintage are known for their intense aromas and flavors, with small berries resulting in high skin-to-juice ratios, which contribute to the wines powerful tannin structure.  2021 is a collector's vintage.

APPELLATION:  Sonoma County
VARIETAL:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
HARVEST DATES:  September 22nd - October 18th
AGING:  19 Months in 70% New French oak barrels
BOTTLING DATE:  May 9, 2023
TA:  6.01 gms/L
pH:  3.67
ALCOHOL:  14.2%

Tasting Notes  PDF

More About ENKIDU