91pts Wine AdvocateThe 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Relevant contains 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot and aptly introduces Crown Point's decidedly polished style. Coffee berries, mocha and graphite aromas introduce a red-fruited, spry palate that holds substantial richness despite its medium-bodied frame. It finishes with focused, powdery tannins and high-toned energy. Drink Date: 2024 - 2028 One of the more ambitious projects in the region, Crown Point offers an ultra-contemporary look at the rural, pastoral Happy Canyon through perfectly polished, seductive textures. While this team has begun harvesting earlier and reducing the length of élevage to curtail past vintages' more overtly stylistic leanings, the wines still skew toward flashy, creamy tendencies that feel quite engineered. Published: Oct 10, 2024 Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy Terroir & VineyardThis 2021 edition of Relevant is produced entirely from estate-grown fruit in the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA—a region known for its warm inland days and cooler coastal-influenced nights. The vineyard benefited from a dry winter followed by early spring rains, and summer temperatures that stayed moderate (not exceeding 100 °F), allowing for a slow, even ripening of the grapes. The soils of the estate contribute to fine tannin structure and balance. WinemakingThe blend is 85 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Cabernet Franc, and 5 % Petit Verdot. The wine was harvested between September 15 and October 12, 2021. Fermentation was carried out in small stainless-steel and French oak vats (block by block) with gentle pump-overs to preserve fruit purity, followed by approximately 16–20 months of élevage in French oak (in some reports ~30% new oak) depending on the lot. Tasting Notes Appearance: A deep ruby to plum hue, reflecting richness and concentration. Nose: Initial aromas of black cherry, cassis and dark berry fruits are joined by violet floral lift and hints of cocoa, cedar and graphite. Palate: On the palate the wine is medium‐to‐full-bodied with a plush core of blackberry and plum, supported by fine-grained, chalky tannins. Savoury notes of tobacco leaf, dry oak, and pepper spice appear in the mid-palate, and the finish is long, persistent, with mineral grip and a touch of dark chocolate or espresso bitterness. Structure & Ageing: With its framework of fine tannins and balanced acidity, this wine is drinking well now (especially with some decanting) but will also reward short‐term cellaring into the next 8-12 years. Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions Serving temperature: 16–18 °C (60–64 °F). Allow the wine to warm slightly if it’s been chilled. Decanting for 30-60 minutes is recommended to let the tannins open up. Food pairings: Grilled or roasted red meats: rib-eye steak, lamb chops with herb crust. Braised beef or short‐rib dishes with rich savory reduction. Mushroom risotto, or dishes with wild mushrooms and aged cheese—complementing the wine’s earthy and tannic structure. Mature hard cheeses such as aged Gouda or a well-aged cheddar.
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