Grace Family Cornelius Grove Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 2021

When we consider the greats that helped to build our valley into the industry leader that it is today, no list would be complete without Grace Family. Dick and Ann Grace established their estate in 1976. From day 1, it was a barn-raising effort to plant their vines, bring in their first harvest, and launch their brand. With many helping hands and an unwavering commitment to the craft of winegrowing and making, Grace Family Vineyards grew in reputation until it was one of the most highly sought after wines every year.

In 2019, Dick and Ann made the weighty decision to hang their vintner hats and sell their beloved brand to Kate & Jeremy Green and, in doing so, orchestrated one of the valley's most seamless transitions of ownership.  Dick believes that one must have "a reverence for the hallowed land" and be committed to crafting wines with a distinct sense of place and prestige.  The Greens instilled a certainty in Dick that they not only shared his values and would continue the Grace Family traditions but that their thoughtful stewardship would carry this cherished winery and vineyard into the future.

Cornelius Grove is a stunning, bowl-shaped vineyard in St. Helena. When you step onto this property, you feel worlds away from your todo list despite being just 5 minutes out of town. Jeremy and Kate Green own this vineyard, and when they purchased Grace, they knew Cornelius Grove could help them make their own impression on the legacy brand. The 2019 was their debut vintage, and our Apex members received one of very few bottles made. 2021 is their sophomore release because of the devastation during 2020, and we have been waiting patiently for the opportunity to share it with you all!

Made by the venerable Helen Keplinger, The 2021 Cornelius Grove opens with a fresh, perfumed nose of black currants, tobacco, violets, pastis, and delicate notes of pine forest. The texture on the palate is soft and silky, with flavors of black cherry, mineral, cigar box, black licorice, and dried aromatic herbs. The wine is seamlessly balanced with classically structured tannins, vivid contours, and incredible length. In short - it's a classic.