Cabernet Sauvignon 'Widowmaker'

Score

94

"Floral, black licorice and black cherry aromas lead to just-ripe, focused black cherries and blueberries. Aged in 25% to 30% new French demi-muids, the wine is both rich and balanced, mouth-filling yet structured, with moderate tannins and fresh acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best from 2028."

Score

97+

"All Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is deeper hued, with killer notes of pure cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and lean pencil shavings. With a Pauillac-like style in its aromas and flavors, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, structured mouthfeel, beautiful yet building tannins, and a great finish. It's one of my favorite Bordeaux releases from Cayuse in 2021. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades."

Score

97

"A burst of cassis and rosemary come together with hints of pipe tobacco, pine resin and crushed blackberries as the 2021 Widowmaker evolves in the glass. This is pure elegance, silken and serene, with ripe black fruits and tactile mineral tones propelled by a core of juicy acidity. Blue and purple inner florals echo over a saturation of currants, licorice and fine tannins. It finishes dramatically long and classically dry."

Score

95

"The 2021 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, boasts a sturdy nose that is fresh, complex, and juicy, featuring ripe and round aromas. The nose wafts with layers of dusty flowers and notes of plum skin as dark cherries sway out of the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate exhibits impressive staying power with a ripe attack, showcasing balanced, succulent acidity with fine-grained tannins. The wine concludes with a long, lingering, spicy finish that beckons me to pour another glass. For optimal enjoyment, decant for one hour, then enjoy with food."

Score

94

"Given the hombre on the wine's label, a worn saddle-leather aroma, with accompanying notes of mulberries, pomegranate seeds and cherry blossoms, feels right at home. Grippy tannins lay down more leather on the full-bodied palate, joined by boysenberry and Irish breakfast tea flavors. Enjoy from 2024–2036. Cellar Selection. —M.A."

Score

94

"Rich and detailed, this red offers polished flavors of black cherry and huckleberry accented with toasty cinnamon, espresso and spices as this unfurls toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. —T.F."