— 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon “攀登”
Crafted from high-altitude Diamond Mountain fruit, and aged for 16 months in 40% new and 60% seasoned French oak. This vintage offers concentrated flavors, showcasing bright red fruits, a hint of cedar, and balanced acidity, with fine-grained tannins that suggest excellent aging potential.
About this wine
Named “攀登” (Pan Deng), meaning “to climb,” the 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reflects both the elevation of Diamond Mountain and the resilience required to craft such a wine. Growing at nearly 2,000 feet above the valley floor, the vines endure thin, rocky soils and temperature swings, producing a Cabernet that’s as powerful as it is nuanced. From the first aromas of red cherries and blackberry to the whispers of cedar and cigar on the finish, this wine tells a story of elegance and depth. On the palate, a lively acidity harmonizes with refined tannins, creating a balance that’s both structured and graceful. As the wine opens, its complexity unfolds, capturing the rugged beauty of its origin with a pure, classic charm that will only deepen with time.
Winemaker’s tasting notes
2021 was our second year in the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon game. In 2021, we moved up-valley (and uphill) to the top of Diamond Mountain. Located about 2000 feet above the valley floor, there are commanding views from the vineyard across the valley towards the Palisades. The soil is quite thin and gravelly, reddish brown in color, and low in organic matter. The vines are small, and yields are low. The fruit is classically mountain Cabernet, late ripening, concentrated, and a little stern when young.
Pairs well with
Dong Po Pork, Sichuan-style Beef with Black Bean Sauce, Five-spice Lamb Chops, Beef Short Ribs Braised with Star Anise.
The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon “攀登” (Pan Deng) pairs beautifully with rich, aromatic Chinese dishes that elevate its depth and structure. Dong Po pork, with its tender, slow-braised pork belly in a soy-based sauce, complements the Cabernet’s dark fruit notes and balanced acidity, creating a luxurious contrast with the dish’s rich caramelized flavors. Sichuan-style beef with black bean sauce adds a vibrant, spicy element, highlighting the wine’s blackberry and cigar hints without overpowering them. Five-spice lamb chops offer a fragrant match, drawing out the Cabernet’s elegance with each bite. Lastly, beef short ribs braised with star anise bring warm, spiced layers that beautifully enhance the wine’s subtle tannins and earthy undertones. Each pairing brings out the robust character of “Pan Deng,” offering a bold yet refined dining experience.