In the southeastern corner of Napa Valley sits a once unfamiliar area of Coombsville, which is now the 16th AVA of the Valley. The Ackerman family purchased their prized property over thirty years ago, recognizing the amazing fruit that grew in the area, ultimately creating exceptional wines. This particular offering comes from a beautiful vintage that was ideal in many ways regarding the weather. But for most, including Ackerman, the yields were lower due to a rainfall shortage.
This is the 2021 Ackerman Fmaily Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville Estate. While we tasted this, it transitioned from a fruit forward young wine to (after decanting) a wine that can be aged for decades, showing potential to only increase in flavor and enjoyment. Initially we recognized a basket of blueberries, cedar shavings and graphite. Some decanting and swirling quickly transitioned this full bodied wine to fresh raspberry and strawberry fruits, forest floor, hints of allspice and vanilla. The feathery tannins help create an unforgetful and steady finish.
This wine is very impressive and offers a beautiful, dark eggplant color. While we really enjoyed this now, we think that this is an ideal wine to cellar and re-visit in three to five years. The additional complexity that this will surely develop would add a couple of points to the overall score (if scores are your thing).
Stay tuned as we chat with someone from the Ackerman team when we create a video review of their 2018 Memoir Red Blend!
ABV: 14.1%
Coombsville AVA
Winery: Ackerman Family Vineyards
Suggested retail price: $98.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93+/100
