Plumpjack 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate, Napa Valley

PlumpJack’s 2021 Estate Cabernet drives in confidently, but it doesn’t shout. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, and black cherry unfurl first, grounded by sage, mint, and iron-toned graphite. Layers of vanilla, cocoa nibs, and espresso stretch into warming spice without crowding the core fruit.

On the palate, it’s refined intensity. Plush and full-bodied, the wine balances boldness with structure—velvety tannins carry an enduring finish that blends mocha with fresh spice and fine-grained energy. It’s lush yet focused.

The vintage context matters here. A low-rainfall year in Napa stressed the vines, concentrating flavors and compressing the wine’s structure. PlumpJack leaned into that pressure: cold-soaked fruit, moderated fermentation, and thoughtful oak use—67% new French barrels for 19 months—to shape intensity, not dull it.

PlumpJack’s story is part of the wine’s identity. Founded in 1997 by Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty, the estate brings craftsmanship and a bit of theatrical shadow to Oakville’s storied vineyards. Winemaker Aaron Miller, leading since 2012, stewards those vines with precision, delivering wines that are richly expressive without excess.

This Cabernet doesn’t chase drama. It sits beside you at the table with presence—built on place, layered in thought, and ready to evolve.