Winemaker's Notes
Classic ‘Old school’ California-styled aroma profile: Cedar, loam and cassis intersect with that ‘Scherrer Vineyard’ mysterious floral and fruit notes as well as lovely Alexander Valley red fruits. There are traces of mint appearing on the palate and some lovely savory notes that carry the cassis cargo through to the finish. According to Antonio Galloni this year, this wine ‘…exudes character right out of the gate. Dark-toned fruit, tobacco, dried herbs, lavender and exotic spice infuse the palate with layers of dimension. Strong floral and savory top notes extend the persistent finish in a decidedly old-school-leaning California Cabernet…95 pts.’
Similar to current popular Zinfandel styles, this variety has also been skewed a bit into the higher ripeness and/or overly-stuffed styles that are rewarding in the very short term. My view on Cabernet is that it is one of the handful of vinifera varieties that can age and develop in a very positive way over many years. This ability is a component of what I think of as what a ‘great’ wine should possess. Again, I embrace the ethos of the older school, structured, age worthy and food-friendly core that can also be enjoyable in its relative youth. Those of you who know, know.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – June 2026
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Scherrer Vineyard is another impressive wine in this range from Fred Scherrer. A huge, structured wine, the 2021 exudes character right out of the gate. Dark-toned fruit, tobacco, dried herbs, lavender and exotic spice infuse the palate with layers of dimension. Strong floral and savory top notes extend the persistent finish in a decidedly old-school-leaning California Cabernet. A few more years in the bottle can only help. This is Scherrer at his best. 95 points. Antonio Galloni