Well I for sure am one of the few wine critics that actually calls out the crap in the wine world. I paid about $60.00 for each of these wines and one completely dominated the other. One is made from estate vineyards while the other is made in a lab. Try them both and let me know your thoughts.
- 2021 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley (5/31/2026)
Day 1: Glasvin Kane. Diam closure. Wow trying this vs. the 21 Austin Hope Paso and what a difference estate fruit and real wine making can do for the enjoyment of a wine. Had this 2 other times and rocking again. Spices, cherry, blueberries, floral, wood, minerals and earth. Very balanced effort and drinking well young. Great but for under $60. 93 points
Day 2: Well a well made wine gets better on day 2 which this one did and is the best bottle of the 21s I have tasted. Cassis, blueberries, floral, wood, earth, coffee beans, minerals, spice and rose petals. Medium plus finish and outstanding quality for the price. One of the best from Napa for the money. 94 points
Day 3: Holding form over 3 days and outstanding quality. This is up there with the best Napa wines under $60.
Recommendation: Easy buy from a great vintage. (94 points)
- 2021 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (5/31/2026)
Day 1: Glasvin Kane. Natural cork. Well is this better than some of the Caymus products. Slightly. There is a lingering artificial fruit flavor on this wine that requires meat or cheese to remove this unpleasant taste. Cotton Candy, spices, chemicals, riper fruits and wood. There is nothing to like in my opinion especially if you apply the tasting process. Drink it like water and it is ok. 69 points
Day 2: Wow has this gone down hill from the 69. Tastes like fruits sitting in 100 degree heat and stewed at best. Chemicals and artificial flavors really kicking in. Yes Mega purple is being used as well. Wow is this wine terrible or what. 55 points
Day 3: Well the wine now tastes like chemicals and grape cotton candy. Clearly undrinkable on day 3. 50 points (lowest cellar tracker allows)
Recommendation: NO! (69 points)
