| Producer | Di Costanzo |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Moon Mountain |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 07088 |
| Size | 750ml |
From anywhere in Napa Valley between Napa and Calistoga, head west and up the Mayacamas mountains. Crest the peak and look down over the red-to-purple volcanic rocks and soil towards Sonoma. See those vines at 2,200 feet down to around 400 feet elevation? This is Moon Mountain, where some of California's most important and impressive 19th century Cabs came from. And at around 1,600 feet where Charlie Smith planted this extraordinary vineyard.
Massimo di Costanza knows what to do with fruit this naturally concentrated and powerful – let it sing out without allowing either alcohol or tannins to take over the show. As Wine Advocate notes in the 96+ point write-up, “it's full-bodied and rich on the palate, generous, concentrated and long, with hints of licorice on the tannic but ripe finish." And Vinous captures it well in their 96 point praise: “The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Charlie Smith Vineyard is a heady, potent Moon Mountain Cabernet. What a wine! Inky, dark and explosive, with grippy tannins and exceptional balance, the 2021 is so impressive. Graphite, cured meat, tobacco, lavender and chocolate are all dialed up to the maximum in this dense, flavorful Cabernet.”
For You If: You enjoy the power, darkness, intensity and grip of Napa’s volcanic, west-facing, sloped vines on Howell Mountain with a touch more restraint and at around 50% the price – this wine is a wild bargain compared to what the Napa equivalents go for!
Not For You If: You’re looking for silk or velvet – this is a little burly and definitely assertively squeezing at the end now and while time will soften things, it’s always going to be a very bold texture.
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