Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 The Ark Vineyard needs a shake or two to wake up intense scents of crème de cassis, red currant jelly, and blackberry pie, leading to a complex undercurrent of mint tea, sandalwood, and fallen leaves. The full-bodied palate sparkles with energetic black and red berry flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and minerally. (LPB)

Starting out the lineup, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard offers a sensational array of darker currant-like fruit intermixed with new leather, baking spices, chocolate, and sappy tobacco. These all carry to a deep, full-bodied, layered, powerful 2021 with velvety tannins and a killer finish. I love it even today, but this beauty will have 20-30 years of overall longevity.