2021 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

La Londe "Affinity" Vineyard

Napa Valley

SPRING RELEASE

The 2021 vintage of Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon is marked by an increase in power and complexity over more fruit-driven wines from Southern Napa in previous vintages. The mineral, graphite and black thorny-vine fruits are all on full display in this mountain sourced wine.

750 ml

The 2021 bottling of Affinity marks our departure (at least for the next few years) from the La Londe Vineyard in Coombsville. For this vintage, we looked to our mountain estate vineyards on Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder to provide the backbone of the wine, rounded out by a handful of longtime Napa Valley growers who have long contributed to this hillside Bordeaux blend. We continue to produce a wine that is powerful and ageworthy, yet supple enough to be enjoyed upon release. More so than ever, Affinity provides savvy Craig lovers with a Napa collectible at a tremendous price point.

The tiny clusters that proliferated in 2021 at high elevations in the Napa Valley provide strength and structure in this deeply colored Bordeaux blend. A more judicious use of new French Oak helps the dark fruit to pour from the glass and extend on the palate.

VINEYARDS: Winery Estate Vineyard, Candlestick Ridge Vineyard, Amentet Vineyard, Temple Vineyard
APPELLATION: Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Pope Valley, Napa Valley
COMPOSITION: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
CASES PRODUCED: 1332

Howell Mountain:
Winery Estate Vineyard: Yields average 1.8 tons/ acre giving fruit power and expression of site.
Candlestick Ridge Estate Vineyard: Pure, white volcanic tufa soils provide excellent drainage while ensuring low yields and deeply flavored wine grapes

Mount Veeder:
Amentet Estate Vineyard: Sandy, gravel-based soils of shale with sandstone topsoil produce wines that are black in color with very low PH values and naturally high acids.

The first impression when swirling a large glass followed by an aggressive sip is the size and scope of the wine. Affinity used to charm from the moment it took off its shoes at the door. The 2021 strides through the entrance and onto the antique rug with muddy boots and throws its coat on the nearest chair. This is a big wine with brawny structure to boot. Dark, explosive cassis fruit, lead pencil, spice box, and fresh tobacco play on the palate and in the aroma. As always, we’ve worked to make sure that the wine has kept its smooth, broad mouthfeel despite its age worthiness. Careful fermentation and farming for resolved tannins allow this wine to be enjoyed while young, but the cellar will reveal its true nature in a few years. This is a tremendous red wine. We recommend a cellar stock up here, as the small production (70% lower than average for this wine) and the high QPR (Quality/Price Ratio) will make it obsolete soon in availability. We look forward to your comments.

2021 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

2021 Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

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