National Cabernet Sauvignon Day

National Cabernet Sauvignon Day: A Toast to Our 2021 Vintage

Every year, National Cabernet Sauvignon Day gives us a chance to stop and appreciate one of the most iconic red wine grapes in the world. Known for its bold structure, deep color, and ability to age gracefully, Cabernet Sauvignon has become a favorite for winemakers and wine lovers alike. It's grown and celebrated in almost every major wine region, but what we love is that it expresses the unique character of where it's grown.

This year, we’re highlighting our 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from our Arise Bench vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench. It’s a focused, structured red made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 16 months in French oak, and built to showcase both varietal character and the strength of the vintage.

The 2021 Growing Season

The season started with a warm spring, leading to slightly earlier budbreak and flowering. June cooled things down a bit, which resulted in a smaller fruit set with loose bunches. Fall brought a steady stretch of warm days with no rain or frost, giving us a longer harvest window. Each block was picked when it reached perfect ripeness, which allowed us to really fine-tune the balance and flavor in the final wine.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with classic notes of cassis, along with aromas of sandalwood, cloves, bay leaf, and the wild herbal character we often get from the Okanagan. The palate is dense and layered, showing dark fruit, black pepper spice, and savory wild herbs. There’s a firm structure here, with fine tannins that give the wine weight and length. It was aged for 16 months in 100% French oak (40% new), which adds complexity without overpowering the fruit.

This is a wine that drinks well now, but also has the backbone to age through 2031 if you have the patience.

Food Pairing

This vintage pairs beautifully with rich, hearty dishes. Some of our favorite pairings include:

• Buckwheat crêpes filled with sautéed wild mushrooms and leeks
• Rosemary-braised lamb shanks with steamed Sieglinde potatoes
• A thick-cut Florentine-style porterhouse steak with roasted veggies and polenta
• Aged cheeses

These kinds of dishes really bring out the wine’s earthy, savory qualities.

Come Celebrate

Whether you’re opening something old or discovering a new favorite, Cabernet Sauvignon deserves a proper toast today. If you’re in the area, come visit us at the winery. If not, you can always order wine from our website with free shipping on orders of 6 or more bottles. Culmina 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon