Antinori Townsend Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (750ML)

June Townsend sold her 40-acre Atlas Peak ranch to the Antinori family in 1998, and by 1999 and 2000 the land, high on a west-facing ridge above Rector Canyon, was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine that carries her name now draws on top sites across the Antinori Napa Valley estate, and the 2021 blends 98% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2% Cabernet Franc. A second straight drought year kept yields low and berries small and concentrated; picking ran in the cool early mornings from September 8 to October 7. Each vineyard section fermented separately in four-ton conical tanks before 20 months in new Taransaud barrels. Blackberry, cassis and white pepper open into black cherry, violet and a rocky edge, with spice, vanilla and menthol on a full-bodied, focused palate. Pair it with steak au poivre, braised short ribs or aged Gouda.