2021 Force & Grace - Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

A focused expression of Rutherford terroir, 2021 Force & Grace Cabernet Sauvignon presents the deliberate balance of power and poise that defines this project from vintner Joseph Carr and acclaimed winemaker Jean Hoefliger. Rooted in Carr’s history—shaped by strength and discipline—this wine is crafted to showcase a site-specific balance of lush ripeness and bright, clean acidity that Hoefliger prioritizes at pick. Two Rutherford vineyards provide the fruit for this bottling, a region famed for sun-drenched vines dating back to the 1800s. Grown in this sun-soaked, mineral-rich landscape, the grapes are hand-picked at night to preserve freshness and rigorously sorted before aging. The result is a wine that carries the appellation’s dusty, expressive terroir into the glass, with careful structure built through twenty-two months in French oak, more than half of it new, which adds toasted spice and subtle tannic lift without masking the fruit. Tasting profile - Aromas: raspberry jam, blackberry, and warm caramel, lifted by dusty mineral notes and a hint of red currant. - Palate: a blend of lush texture and refined tension, with Herbes de Provence nuance weaving through the fruit-forward core. - Finish: long and savory, carried by polished tannins that linger with class rather than weight. Food pairings - Grilled venison or braised beef short ribs for a deeply savory match that complements the wine’s spice and mineral edge. - Aged Gruyère, whose nutty depth echoes the wine’s toasted oak character and adds richness to every bite. Notes for cellar and serving - Best enjoyed with hearty, slow-cooked dishes or stand-alone to contemplate its layered complexity after a short decant to awaken the aromatics.