Labry Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2021

ACME's favorite method of seeking out debut brands and producers to feature is, without a doubt, word of mouth.  The community that keeps our world-renowned wine region running is tight-knit, and ACME thrives on staying ahead of the latest and greatest wines our friends and neighbors are crafting.  Whether it be whisperings in the aisles of the local grocery store or seeing an old colleague at our kids' soccer games, we love seeking out the new projects coming out of the Valley.  Therefore, we locked our sights on Labry Wines when Nicole Dale (proprietor of our concierge partner Wild Vine Napa Valley) mentioned the small, family-owned brand she manages in Rutherford that has never sold wine outside their mailing list.  When we first learned of the winery, their production was too small to feature in Apex, so we diligently and patiently waited for this moment when we could present the 2021 Labry Wines Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ed and Kim Labry nurtured a love of wine over numerous visits to Napa Valley from their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.  As many visitors to Napa do, they fantasized about owning a slice of this paradise to call home, and as many oenophiles do, they imagined a winery of their own to craft Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.  When a 4-acre parcel on the famed Bella Oaks Lane came up for sale, Ed and Kim jumped at the opportunity to bring their dreams to life.  Not only was the property in a revered Rutherford location just north of Napa giants like Harlan, FUTO, and BOND, but the picturesque vineyard landscape was precisely the blissful home they imagined for raising their soon-to-arrive daughter.  A few months after Margaux was born, the Labrys moved to Bella Oaks Lane to begin the next adventure.  

Joining the Labrys on this exciting journey is winemaker Keith Emerson, a seasoned veteran of Napa Valley winemaking. With a career spanning 20 years and notable roles as Director of Winemaking at Vineyard 29, and his own personal brands Emerson Brown, atLarge, and Sonria, as well as consulting gigs with Robert Craig and Gundlach Bundschu, Keith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Labry Wines.  Prior to the Labry's acquisition, Vineyard 29 sourced fruit from the estate, and Keith is intimately familiar with the nuances of the 2.9 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted here by David Abreu.  Aged in 75% new French oak for 22 months, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon evokes alluring aromas of cedar, freshly-rolled cigars, and spiced blackberry pie.  Fine-grained, dusty tannins are balanced by well-integrated acidity that layers the palate and leads to a long, refined finish.