2021 Seven Apart Cabernet Sauvignon Shale
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Shale is smoking good, with a deep, pure, cassis-driven perfume that's backed up by gorgeous darker chocolate, iron, espresso, and savory herbs. It's concentrated, full-bodied, has remarkable depth and richness, ample tannins, and a great finish. This is legit awesomeness and deserves a solid 4-5 years of cellaring. It will see its 30th birthday in fine form.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Marked by intriguing aromas of crushed stone, pencil shavings and mocha, the deep, dark fruit of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Shale is medium to full-bodied and reasonably supple, ending long, fresh and clean, with a dusting of powdery tannins. It's more approachable than the 2019 was at this stage, yet it seems certain to have another 15 years of good drinking ahead of it.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Shale is gorgeous. Bright, focused and wonderfully delineated, the 2021 is pure class. Graphite, lavender, black cherry, dried flowers and herbs abound. There's plenty of savory mountain character, but, at the same time, the tannins are remarkably polished.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Shale turned out beautifully. Vibrant and intensely focused, the 2021 bristles with energy to play off its mid-weight, slightly linear build. Graphite, dried herbs, incense, mocha and dried flowers open with some bit of coaxing. I would give this at least a few years in bottle, as the tannins are forbidding today.