Barrett & Barrett Wine
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga, Napa Valley
Barrett & Barrett is a handcrafted, small production Napa Valley wine that reflects our two complementary winemaking styles. Bo’s expertise is in single appellation wines that highlight distinct vineyards, while Heidi excels at creating perfectly balanced, layered Cabs with an elegant, artistic style.
WINEGROWING
We hand select small sections of the very best grapes from our Calistoga vineyards, vine by vine. With over 40 years of experience growing Cab in Calistoga, we know the most unique and special areas, which have the lowest yields, tiny berries & stressed vines to create the super-selected wine we desire. Our winemaking in the vineyard comes down to our personal selection of each vine and is carried through to impeccable detail in the winemaking.
The 2021 growing season was a bit unusual, but turned out great in the end. A relatively dry winter followed by a warm spring caused the vines to break dormancy early. Thankfully as the season progressed there were no serious heat spikes that could have been a problem with the low soil moisture levels. The harvest actually was not impacted by the early spring, and occurred in late Sept- early Oct as usual. The yields were about 25% lower than average, resulting in very concentrated wines from this vintage.
TASTING NOTES
2021 Barrett & Barrett Cabernet Sauvignon (tasted 10/2/24 by Heidi & Bo Barrett)
Very deep ruby in color, with beautifully focused aromas of ripe black fruit. The nose is lifted and pure, showing complex layers from our 4 different Cab clones grown at this tiny vineyard. Expansive on the palate with gorgeous flavors of concentrated berry jam and pomegranate, accentuated by hints of mocha, cedar, and sweet toasty French oak. Velvety texture with amazing length and a seamless finish - tannins are very fine and integrated. A big, silky Cab that has it all – beautiful now, but will offer years of enjoyment ahead.
ACCOLADES
From The Wine Independent:
98 points - "Deep garnet-purple colored, it erupts from the glass with powerful scents of crème de cassis, blueberry pie, and boysenberry preserves, leading to suggestions of licorice, tar, black pepper, and lavender. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with black fruit preserves flavors, supported by firm, beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic tension, finishing very long with loads of exotic spices and mineral sparks." - Lisa Perotti-Brown
97 points - "The Barretts have turned in another superb performance with their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a slight leafiness to the nose that reinforces its varietal identity and adds complexity, all while complementing the cherries and cassis fruit and the cedar and vanilla oak. The wine is full-bodied, ripe and opulent yet never over-the-top, and while plush in feel, it retains a sense of focus and freshness that extends through the long, velvety finish. It should drink well for up to two decades. " - Joe Czerwinski
PAST VINTAGES
Vertical Collection 2008-2019
Current release
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon