New
96 POINTS
  • A bottle of Etude Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1 1

2021 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Etude was founded with the promise that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before harvest. Superior winegrowing lessens the need for winemaking intervention, leading to authentic varietal an...

Etude was founded with the promise that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before harvest. Superior winegrowing lessens the need for winemaking intervention, leading to authentic varietal and vineyard expression, with compelling flavor and irresistible complexity.

Rutherford750ml 14.4%

Stock up and save on Shipping—Order 3+ bottles and receive ground shipping at no additional cost! Enter promo code NEWBOTTLE35 at checkout.

$155.00
$155.00

Are you a Wine Club Member?

Login or Sign up to receive 15% off your order & more!

Specifications

  • Vintage: 2021
  • Region: Napa Valley
  • Appelation: Rutherford
  • ABV: 14.4%
  • Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
  • pH: 3.73

Tasting Notes

Inky ruby-garnet in color, this expansive wine unveils a
complex bouquet of aromas, with layers of chocolate, rich leather, kirsch, and cassis, accented by hints of dried herbs. These signature characteristics speak to the exceptional terroir of the Morisoli Vineyard on the Rutherford Bench, highlighting its signature depth and elegance. The palate is structured with fine-grained tannins and a distinct mouthfeel, speaking to the hallmark "Rutherford Dust." Subtle oak influences impart graham cracker spice, while the rich flavors of ripe plum, along with vibrant blue and black fruits, add layers of depth and complexity. Enjoy the development of this wine for years to come.

View full details

Expert reviews

96 POINTS

“Plush aromas blackcurrants, blood plums, spices, lavender and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with soft tannins and integrated acidity, giving aromas of mocha, tobacco leaves, dark cherries and cedar. Refined and pure, with a powerful undertone. Drink or hold.” - JamesSuckling.com, January 2025

Morisoli Vineyard

Fruit from the Morisoli Vineyard in the heart of the Rutherford Bench has been the sole source for this expression of Etude Cabernet since 2009.
Currently under the watchful eye of fourth generation grower Gary Morisoli, this pioneering vineyard with gravelly Bale clay loam soil and classic Rutherford dust produces some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in Napa Valley. Retained heat from the ground helps to concentrate the intense crushed berry character that defines Rutherford Cabernet as having an “iron fist in a velvet glove.”

The grapes were cold soaked for 3-5 days and fermented on their skins in open top fermenters. An extended maceration period followed fermentation, to help modify the depth and mouthfeel of the wine, and to fully extract color, flavor, and aromatics. The young wine was then racked into small French oak barrels – using a selection of coopers and forests to accentuate the vineyard distinctions – where it aged for 20 months in 100% French oak (75% new). Each lot was kept separate until final blending.

Crafted Excellence

Winemaking