The 2021 Caterwaul Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, produced by Caterwaul, is a standout example of what Napa Valley has to offer in terms of quality and affordability. This red wine, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, is from the North Coast region of California, specifically the renowned Napa appellation. With an alcohol content of 14.5% and sealed with a traditional cork closure, this wine is poised to appeal to a wide range of palates.
Antonio Galloni from Vinous awarded this wine a score of 90 points. He describes it as "packed with blueberry, lavender, licorice, dark chocolate, mocha and sweet spice." Galloni also notes that "the lush, juicy style will appeal to readers who enjoy the more exuberant side of Napa Valley," asserting that the wine "delivers superb quality for the money."
Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com gave the 2021 Caterwaul Napa Cabernet Sauvignon an impressive score of 93 points. Dunnuck highlights its "classic darker currants, tobacco, chocolate, and some gravelly earth notes" which define its nose. He praises its "medium to full-bodied, round, supple, layered mouthfeel" and "great finish," emphasizing that it is "more than worth its going rate." Dunnuck also mentions that the wine's 8,000-case production largely goes to distribution, suggesting its broad availability.
Joe Czerwinski from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the wine at 91 points, labeling it as "one of the greatest bargains in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon." This assessment is based on the wine's composition, which draws significantly from co-proprietor Matt Hardin's Pope Valley vineyards, supplemented by selections from winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown's other projects. Czerwinski points out its "gently herbal notes of sage and bay leaf" that complement "ripe black cherries." He describes it as "full-bodied, rich, concentrated, velvety and long," while acknowledging that it is "not overly complex" but still a "solid entry-level Cab at a price most producers can't touch."
In summary, the 2021 Caterwaul Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-regarded, value-driven wine that combines rich fruit flavors with herbal undertones. Its balanced, approachable style has earned it high praise from multiple critics, making it a noteworthy option for those seeking quality Napa Cabernet Sauvignon without a prohibitive price tag.