2021 Carl Roy Red Wine East Side Cuvee Napa Valley 750 ml

Pritchard Hill is the hottest section of Napa right now, with names like Bryant, Colgin, Continuum, and Chappellet all making the greatest wines in their histories. And while we can’t say much about the Pritchard Hill pedigree of the winemaker behind today’s Carl Roy East Side Cuvée, we can say that he’s intimately familiar with the terroir—in a way that few others in the valley are.

The backbone for this muscular, powerful red blend comes from coveted, NDA-protected sites in Pritchard Hill and in Rutherford—and it’s got the dark fruit, seductive tannins, and deep purple color to show for it. A very similar blend to this just earned 95 points from a major critic—and sells for $165. 

Carl Roy’s powerful, NDA-protected reds have been Wine Access member-favorites practically since the start of our company. Founded and run by one of our closest friends, they provided the inspiration for our own NDA-sourced bottles. And the outstanding 2021 vintage, which will challenge the best of the century so far, brought waves of joy—not only to grapegrowers thirsty for a fantastic season, but to our friend and his cellar-door connections as well.

The East Side Cuvée’s intense nose of fresh plums and palate of blackberry and cassis are a testament to the Pritchard Hill and Rutherford vineyards that drive the bottling. Both are among the most prestigious, expensive districts in Napa for good reason, and these grapes—along with some from a prime source in Carneros—were treated to a luxe cellar treatment. There’s plenty of new-French-oak polish here, plus seductive cacao, espresso, and laurel tones.