2021 CATERWAUL

Caterwaul is a project between 6th generation Napa native, Matt Hardin and “Top Gun” winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Matt is a partner in Barbour Vineyard Management and is also married to Jim Regusci’s daughter, so when it came time to source premium grapes, they found their favorite rows of Jim’s prime cut of Stag’s Leap District for this wine. Thomas and Matt had worked together for many years over many different projects and a friendship was developed. Out of that friendship the idea of working together, utilizing the strengths of the other, Caterwaul was born.

Dark, complex and structured, the 2021 vintage delivers an unforgettable Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon profile that comes from having access to some of the finest vineyards in the Valley. The wine displays a completely opaque dark purple hue in the glass. Densely layered aromatic notes suggest plum reduction, quince, oolong tea, and cedar bark. The palate experience has an interwoven dark fruit core with lively peripheral notes that lean more towards brambly red fruit. Notes of blackberry paste, leather and cocoa nib dominate the mid palate while the lengthy finish expresses brighter notes of raspberry, dark cherry and blueberries. The sleek mouthfeel is framed by finely integrated tannins and a balanced acidity, allowing for immediate enjoyment or a little nap in the cellar.