Tasted by: Jonathan Cristaldi (at Ulysses, Oakville, Napa Valley, 06 May 2024). Part of Napa Valley Cabernet 2021: Top wines from Oakville. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2045. Simply put, Christian Moueix’s Napa Valley project Ulysses is a wine every collector of Napa Cabernet should have in their cellar. The 2021 release is a knockout — never bombastic, entirely reserved even in its generosity, and destined to age gracefully. A dry winter and spring led to a second year of drought beginning in January 2020. Warm, consistent conditions produced small clusters and berries high in phenolics and tannin. Opaque purple-ruby to the rim, it shows the hallmark balance of a prime Oakville site, with ripe dark fruits, cassis, violets, creme de menthe, and crushed slate. Medium to full-bodied, with impressively fashioned tannins that build through the long, vibrant finish. Marked by black cherry, spiced plum, and blood orange acidity — fragrant with sage, thyme, and mineral tension. Exceptional depth and purity, reflecting both place and maturity. 1,400 cases produced.