Leviathan Red Wine, California, USA 2021

Description

Winery Notes

Leviathan was founded in 2004 by winemaker Andy Erickson, former winemaker of Screaming Eagle Winery. The goal was simple: to create one, unique red wine, drawn from some of the best vineyards in Northern California. The resulting bottling, was born of a passion for blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, to create a full bodied wine with a character all of its own. Since then, we have remained true to our goal of producing a rich, distinctly Californian red blend, year after year.

Jeb Dunnuck 94

Always a good value, the 2021 California Red Wine is no exception and has darker berry fruits, some leafy herb, sage, lavender, and chocolate nuances, full-bodied richness, and a lush, round, seamless style that's already impossible to resist. This is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (with plenty of other red varieties), and it should shine for 7-8 years, if not a decade, although I would drink this puppy in its youth.

James Suckling 93

Blueberries, black berries, and flowers. Some stone. Spearmint and fresh bay leaves. Medium to full body with layers of juicy tannins that are rounded and textured. Creamy and caressing. 65% cabernet sauvignon with cabernet franc, petite sirah, petit verdot and merlot. Lovely to drink now.

Vinous 93

The 2021 Leviathan is fabulous. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best editions of Leviathan I can remember tasting. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. Dark cherry/plum fruit, spice, new leather and licorice are all dialed up. Shortening the time in barrel from 18-20 months to 14 makes a huge difference in how the wine captures fruit intensity and finesse. Few winemakers know Napa Valley as well as Andy Erickson does. All of that expertise comes through in a gorgeous wine that over-delivers on all counts.