2021 Cathiard Vineyard Founding Brothers Red Blend Napa Valley

(98 Points) The 2021 Founding Brothers is the flagship red from Napa Valley's Cathiard Vineyard, crafted from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, all from vines aged 20-30 years and aged 18 months in mostly medium toast Transais French oak barrels. Exquisite red florals lead the way on this nicely aromatic red, nuanced by savoury wild herbs and pops of liquorice and earth. The palate fruit is on the velvety side, with a medium body feel, great freshness, and a deep vein of ironstone minerals that last through a minute-long finish. That fruit is wonderfully pure and expressive—evoking spiced plums, cherries, and pomegranate—with tannins that feel intricate and super-fine, all woven together nicely and creating a smooth expression throughout. Decanter, February 2024