2021 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon totaled 253 cases from the rocky hillside vineyard on Pritchard Hill. For the first time, the wine aged in barrel for an additional six months (75% new French oak, 25% used oak/amphora) to reach desired structure. Substantial, well-integrated tannins lead into a long and lingering finish.
I was really surprised to learn that this was such a small production. Considering this is their flagship?
Surprisingly small and I’m now wondering how many cases they produce of the DB4 and Bettina.
Any thoughts on the DB4 as it approached 200$
Well the 21 vintage was a small one due to weather conditions and very little rainfall in the winter. Regarding DB4. I used to love that wine at 125 back in 2019 and 2020. As it approached 150 and 175 i only bought 2-3 bottles. Im out at the new price. The quality isnt worth the price anymore. I can get better napa cabs than DB4 at its current price.
Yeah, it’s no longer worth buying at $175 (so many better and higher quality Napa Cabernet’s near and below that price).
At 442 cases, the 2021 DB4 is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Petit Verdot. A blend of fruit from the Bryant Family Vineyard, Madrona and Howell Mountain, the wine was aged in 65% new French oak, and like the Bryant and Bettina, remained in barrel for an additional six months. It is a classic expression of DB4 from its interplay between freshness and gravity.
I agree at 125 worth it. At 195 not so much.
Great sources for their blend, but definitely no longer a deal at $195.
Does anyone know their production size for previous vintages such as '18 or '19.
2021 is looking quite small (albeit really strong from what I can tell in my small sample size) and with the 2022 vintage not looking too great, one looks for 2023 which is already being hailed as one of the best in recent memory.
Here are the release notes for 2019
The Bryant Family Vineyard is a Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the 13-acre estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill. Harvest began on the property on September 30th and concluded on October 22nd. Aged in 80% new oak for 21 months, this pure and classic Cabernet Sauvignon is especially bright and energetic with refined tannin. 560 cases produced.
2019 DB4 RED WINE BLEND
DB4 is a Bordeaux blend compiled once final blends for BETTINA and Bryant are completed. The 2019 comprises 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. The vineyards for the wine include the Bryant Family Vineyard, Madrona, and Las Posadas. The wine was bottled after spending 20 months in 60% new oak. Given its softer tannins, DB4 is often enjoyed at a younger age than the BETTINA and the Bryant. 630 cases produced.