2021 Auctioneer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

The Auctioneer is a tribute label from Broadbent Selections, honoring Michael Broadbent, the influential British wine critic and 24th Master of Wine. Broadbent founded Christie's wine department in 1966, effectively creating the modern fine wine auction, and later partnered with Robert Mondavi to help launch the Napa Valley Wine Auction in 1981. Over his career he tasted tens of thousands of wines and wrote a monthly Decanter column for decades.

This Cabernet Sauvignon draws on fruit sourced from across Napa Valley, blended mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon with a small addition of Petit Verdot. The wine ages in French oak, largely once-used rather than new, for around eighteen months, building structure without overwhelming the fruit.

The 2021 pours dark ruby with a lighter rim, opening to aromas of ripe black fruit, cedar, coffee, clove, and violets, with a savory edge of black olive and bay leaf. The full-bodied palate mixes fresh and ripe black fruit flavors, framed by balanced tannins and fresh acidity into a long, spice-driven finish. It pairs well with smoked brisket or a bittersweet chocolate dessert.