2021 Black Magic Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
99.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.4% Cabernet Franc. Tasted blind. Deep and dark garnet with some evolution and real interest, albeit slightly pruney, on the nose. Rich and ripe – this is definitely California style (not trying to ape bordeaux) but has a bit more oomph and definition than 2 and 9 (Scarecrow and Lithology, Alejandro Bulgheroni 2021s). Heat – and lots of furry tannin and black cherries – on the end though. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
This wine is a barrel selection, made, according to owner Tor Kenward, to answer the question, "Can we get the essence of the vintage into this wine?" In the case of the 2021 Black Magic, that means scents of mocha accenting black cherries, cassis and earthy loam. It's impressively full-bodied and concentrated, tannic but ripe, with a long finish and softly dusty tannins. 150 cases made.
Lastly, the 2021 Black Magic (a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, aged in 90% new barrels) is a bigger, richer, straight-up massive wine that nevertheless stays balanced, pure, and even elegant. Cr me de cassis, lead pencil shavings, scorched earth, espresso, and classy oak all define this majestic, full-bodied, concentrated 2021. It has the vintage's pure, focused, structured style, a stacked mid-palate, and an incredible finish. This super-rich yet flawless beauty is a legend in the making. Hide bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two decades.
The 2021 Black Magic is a dense, full-throttle wine that captures the essence of the vintage and Tor Kenward's style. Dark fruit, new leather, licorice, tobacco, incense and grilled herbs are all dialed up. A potent wine with tons of personality, this edition of Black Magic is seriously impressive. Vineyard sites are Vine Hill Ranch and Beckstoffer To Kalon.