Ad Ripa

Cabernet Sauvignon 'RSW - Happy Canyon Vyd', Ad Ripa

Cabernet Sauvignon 'RSW - Happy Canyon Vyd', Ad Ripa

Cabernet Sauvignon RSW Happy Canyon Vyd Ad Ripa
  • Practicing Organic
  • 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Happy Canyon Vineyard (Happy Canyon AVA) – Block 8
  • Extremely steep, west-facing slope with river cobble soils
  • Gnarly old head trained vines planted in 2001 using To Kalon cuttings
  • The initials “RSW”, for Justin’s late father Rory Steven Willett
  • Hand-harvested
  • 100% Destemmed
  • Native yeast fermentation in oak, open-top fermenters
  • Two weeks on the skins, with gentle extraction using pumpovers
  • Aged 20 months in French oak barrels (33% new)
  • Bottled unfined and unfiltered
  • 13.5% abv

Info

Producer:
Ad Ripa
Vintage:
2021
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Happy Canyon
Variety:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Color:
Red

Sizes Available

Full Bottle US-ADR-41-21 6/750ml

Resources

Tech Sheet
Request POS

Press & Reviews

Vinous
Score
95
Date
2024-07-01
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Happy Canyon Vineyard RSW opens with bright aromatics and tons of energy to match its sculpted personality. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and vibrant red-toned fruit gradually unfurl in the glass. This is an especially mineral wine from a section of Happy Canyon Vineyard planted with own-rooted To Kalon clone Cabernet. Readers who want to taste the 2021 young will want to give it at least several hours of air. The 2021 was impenetrable for hours until it finally started to show some of its true character."
Wine Advocate
Score
95+
Date
2024-10-10
"Emerging from Happy Canyon Vineyard plantings originating from Oakville's legendary To-Kalon, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RSW is coiled and reserved on the nose while subtly displaying its underlying class and elegance. Aromas of perfectly ripe red and black fruits framed with tobacco undertones and turned earth lead to a svelte yet velvety palate that balances plush texture and weightless intensity. The finish is taut and precise, gently housing its youthfully coiled, fine yet persistent tannins. Reminiscent of a classic California Cabernet from decades past yet with modern attention to detail, this beautiful expression of Happy Canyon will benefit from a few years of cellaring and should continue to evolve for a decade or more after that."