FE '26' Spring Mountain Red Blend 2021 - 750ml

99pts IWR

The 2021 Fe ’26’ Proprietary Red is nothing short of sensational. This has everything you could ask for in a Napa Valley wine, starting with the striking aromatics of ripe black currants and black cherries, which are beautifully woven together with exotic spices, dusty graphite, chocolate shavings, loam, violets, sage with hints of espresso and mineral accents that all come together and burst out of the glass. On the palate this is every bit as stunning, full-bodied, structured and concentrated, yet displaying remarkable poise. It continues to impress with its excellent depth and complexity, as layers of gorgeous ripe dark fruits, exotic spices, graphite and loam are beautifully framed by the dusty, yet supple tannins, which take it through the long, opulent finish. The 2021 is a truly magnificent wine, which is thoroughly impressive and flat-out delicious right now, yet it should also have an extremely bright future ahead. This is composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot. 

98pts James Suckling

From a five-acre property on the lower slopes of Spring Mountain, this wine is a blend of two thirds cabernet sauvignon, 14% malbec, plus cabernet franc and petit verdot. An almost electric energy supports a suave texture in this wonderfully floral, spicy and black-fruit-driven wine. Complexity, structure and an inviting mouthfeel make it stand out. Best from 2029.

Jeb Dunnuck--97 Points

"I absolutely loved the 2021 Red Wine Blend 26, a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc and the rest is Petit Verdot that's all from the estate on Spring Mountain.  Incredible aromatics of red and black fruits, spring flowers, incense and tobacco define this beauty, and it's medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, and awesome length on the finish.  It's not massive, but stays focused, structured and seamless.  Give bottles 4-5 years if you can, and it's going to evolve like a great Bordeaux over the coming two decades or more."--Jeb Dunnuck, 02/20/2024

The Wine Independent--96 Points

"The 2021 26, made from 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Petit Verdot, is deep garnet-purple in color.  After a swirl or two, notes of crushed black cherries, blackcurrants, and black raspberries erupt from the glass, followed by suggestion of lilacs, lavender, and forest floor.  The full-bodied palate is taut and muscular at this youthful stage, backed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory."--Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 11/02/2023

Winemaker Notes

Plum, cherry, cocoa, tobacco, porcini, clay sage, the attack is rich and layered with coffee, plum, blackberry, cherry and black licorice, finishes with soft abundant tannins and good length with black cherry, cocoa and finally fading to tobacco and porcini.

Winery Notes

2021 Started off with very little rain, leading to drought conditions in Napa Valley.  The winter delivered a scant amount of rain in January and February and then almost nothing after that. While this lack of moisture had the effect of limiting the amount of fruit that the vines were ready to produce, the lack of adverse weather also meant that  both bud break and flowering proceeded uneventfully.  While concerning in the long term, the drought of 2021 resulted in a more natural load on the vines, requiring less pruning and dropping of fruit.  The summer was marked by no significant heat events, unlike other recent vintages, allowing for smooth and even ripening.

Winemaker : Aaron Potts

Blend : 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot