2021 Leviathan Red
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Leviathan Red Wine is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah, 6% Syrah, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Sourced from vineyards in the Red Hills AVA, Moon Mountain AVA and Coombsville AVA, it was aged 15 months in 25% new French oak. It leads with hints of crushed stone, then eases into ripe black cherries. Surprisingly, given the myriad components and sources, it's not that complex, but it satisfies the red wine itch at a more than fair price, with ample weight, a ripe, velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Always a good value, the 2021 California Red Wine is no exception and has darker berry fruits, some leafy herb, sage, lavender, and chocolate nuances, full-bodied richness, and a lush, round, seamless style that's already impossible to resist. This is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (with plenty of other red varieties), and it should shine for 7-8 years, if not a decade, although I would drink this puppy in its youth.
The 2021 Leviathan is fabulous. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best editions of Leviathan I can remember tasting. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. Dark cherry/plum fruit, spice, new leather and licorice are all dialed up. Shortening the time in barrel from 18-20 months to 14 makes a huge difference in how the wine captures fruit intensity and finesse. Few winemakers know Napa Valley as well as Andy Erickson does. All of that expertise comes through in a gorgeous wine that over-delivers on all counts.