2021 Scarecrow, M. Etain Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JD97 "No 2020s were produced at this estate due to the devastating wildfires. The good news is that the 2021s are as good as anything I've tasted from this producer and are two truly sensational wines. Starting with the 2021 M. Étain, it checks in as a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 11% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 60% new French oak. While it's the second wine of this estate, it really has its own signature, and it's as good – or better – than most Grand Vin. Pure cassis, spring flowers, violets, leafy tobacco, and lead pencil notes all emerge on the nose, and it's full-bodied, has a seamless, layered mouthfeel, flawless balance, and one heck of a great finish. It's gorgeous today and will be gorgeous in two decades as well." JD Dec 2023

LP97 Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 M. Etain prances out with eager-to-please notes of wild blueberries, blackcurrant pastilles, and red cherries leading to hints of violets, clove oil, and dark chocolate. The medium to full-bodied palate is velvety, soft, and well poised with seamless freshness lifting the dense blue fruit to a long, fragrant finish. "This is a different expression of the vineyard," said winemaker Celia Welch. "M. Etain is not declassified Scarecrow. The blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 11% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. This is the first vintage where this is actually a red wine rather than a Cabernet Sauvignon, as it can usually be labelled legally." LPB for TWI Mar 2024