Deep purple colored with slight staining and medium viscosity (13.4% ABV). The nose has medium intensity aromas of ripe blueberry, blackberry compote, cassis, eucalyptus, chocolate powder, oak, violets, coffee, caramel and sweet plum. The palate is dry with medium acidity, a medium body and medium (+) tannins that are chalky. I am a bit unnerved by the tannins tbh, they detract from the whole package and force me to consider them before I can delve into the fruit flavors. Once over the hurdle- it’s ripe, rich dark fruit with some interesting florals and nicely exercised oak treatment. The finish is medium in length but quite astringent, the tannic grip is a little much methinks. I loved the 2020 Estate Cabernet and gave it 92 points- this one only gets 89. For the same price point of $80, it only gets 2 stars unfortunately. I have another bottle and will re-evaluate in the near future. Meanwhile, this one looks to last till 2030 or so, but give it time or an aeration to try and soften the tannins. Salut….
Tara Bella Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Russian River Valley, California
25 Wednesday Sep 2024
Posted in Wine reviews










