2021 Anakota Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County California

The 2021 Anakota Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Sonoma County Cabernet from Anakota's estate vineyards in the rugged Knights Valley AVA. Anakota was established in the late 1990s by vigneron Pierre Seillan, who sought to express the combination of Napa-like concentration with the freshness, precision and age-worthiness of Sonoma. The estate sits on the rugged slopes of Mount St. Helena, where volcanic soils, cool Pacific influences and varied elevations create distinctive conditions for Bordeaux varieties. The 2021 Knights Valley Cabernet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged for 12 months in French oak, including 30% new barrels.

Dark and structured, the wine shows blackcurrant, black cherry and dried blueberry alongside violet, graphite, polished leather, coffee and earthy nuances. The palate is full-bodied and firmly structured, with refined tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish marked by cocoa and dusty mineral notes. Its depth and savory character make it an excellent pairing for grilled steak, roasted beef, lamb, hearty pasta dishes and aged cheeses. The 2021 vintage received 96 points from James Suckling, 94+ from Jeb Dunnuck and 93 from Wine Advocate.