2021 Titus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

Phil Titus’s legacy is certainly secure.

The Chappellet winemaker has put in over three decades at the iconic winery. He’s got a perfect 100-point score under his belt and he’s a perennial Wine Access favorite. And in the 2021 vintage—which Wine Spectator rated a 97-point “classic”—his Titus Cabernet will only strengthen his status.

Grown primarily in the ample sunlight and diverse soils of Titus Ranch at the base of Howell Mountain, it’s the centerpiece of Titus's lineup, and it’s up there with some of his most powerful and exquisitely focused Cabs.

Neighbor-wines like Revana, Hourglass, and Melka’s Montbleau bottling will all set you back $180 or more, so Titus’ $68 winery price is a steal.

In 2021, Titus and his crew—including his PhD. vineyard-manager brother Eric and winemaker Stephan Cruzan—hit it out of the park again. The vintage provided optimal conditions for the team to craft an exquisite wine. Spring was refreshingly cool weather was moderate throughout, producing grape clusters with perfect ripeness and acidity. They had the luxury of a long, leisurely, low-pressure harvest that allowed them to pick the grapes with nothing but utmost quality in mind. 

A regimen of 20 months in 50% new French and Hungarian oak gave this Cabernet stunning polish and sophistication. The wine is awash in aromas of black currant, blackberry, and mocha. The palate is rich and supple, with labyrinthine corridors of espresso, bold dark fruit, and bittersweet chocolate. It’s showing beautiful concentration and density in its youth, and has the potential to age for a decade.