“The highest quality crop not witnessed in years. I know, I put a lot of eggs in the basket of vintage 2018. However, friends, brace yourself for some delicious, superior quality wines coming from 2021. Across the board—from Chardonnay through to Cabernet Sauvignon— we are looking at magnificent concentrations of color and flavor that forecast a stellar vintage to come. There is something magical that happens to a vineyard when water is scarce. Cluster sets are reduced naturally, grape size shrinks the skin-to-pulp ratio, and energy is driven to protect the crop that is left. We manually thin in all vintages to balance the ratios on the vine; however, it is Mother Nature’s culling that always works wonders for producing wines of profound resilience. The only downside in this natural selection scenario is crop yield. Vintage 2021 will see significant reductions in yield from 30% to 50% less than normal years. This vintage takes Venge’s Silencieux to another level.”
— Kirk Venge
TWI (92-94)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Silencieux is a blend with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Medium ruby-purple in color, it leaps with notes of crushed blackcurrants, juicy black plums, and black raspberries, plus touches of wet slate, graphite, charcoal, and truffles with a waft of tapenade. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with seductive black fruits and earthy sparks, framed by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a spicy kick. This was tasted as a barrel sample.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Review date: 2023-04-13