By Clif Family
2021 Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley

Vineyard
This wine is made with organically farmed grapes from our Valle Di Sotto Estate Vineyard, located in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. The Oak Knoll District is located at the southern end of the Napa Valley, where cooling marine influences create a unique micro-climate that helps the grapes maintain bright fruit flavors and retain acidity.

Winemaking
Hand-harvested in the cool morning hours, the fruit is hand-sorted before destemming into tank. After a three-day cold soak, the juice is inoculated with cultured yeast. During fermentation, temperature and extraction are carefully managed. Finally, the wine is gently pressed off the skins and aged in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes
On the nose, the wine displays a beautiful integration of oak, offering aromas of cedar, tobacco, and hints of cocoa and toffee. A subtle herbaceous note, characteristic of Cabernet Franc, adds complexity. The palate reveals a rich, chewy core with impressive structure and balance. Lush flavors of blackberry pie and baked bread emerge on the finish, complemented by lingering savory notes.

Wine Information
Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Vineyard: Clif Family Valle di Sotto Vineyard
Composition: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Sustainability: B Corp Certified, organically farmed, Napa Green Vineyard, fish-friendly farming
Aging Program: 22 months in 80% new French oak
Alcohol: 14.50%
Harvest Date: September 13th - October 15th, 2021
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: 2021 Clif Family Winery Red Blend
Score/Rating: 94+
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2042
Review Date: 11/08/2023
Reviewed By: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Red Blend, composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot, is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, note[s] of black raspberries, mulberries, and baked blackcurrants emerge from the glass, plus nuances of tapenade, black truffles, and star anise. The full-bodied palate has bright acidity and gently chewy tannins to support the vibrant black fruits, finishing with an herbal lift.

Wine: Clif Family Proprietary Red Valle Di Sotte Estate Vineyard Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley 2021
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2037
Review Date: 08/31/2024
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: Reserved in style, with a flash of warm earth leading off, followed by a core of warmed plum reduction and black currant preserves. Subtle hints of mint, tobacco and worn cedar peek through on the finish and give this an old-school feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2037. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Wine: CLIF FAMILY WINERY Red Wine, Napa Valley ‘Proprietary Red Wine’ 2021
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2034
Reviewed By: Jeremy Young
Tasting Notes: The 2021 ‘Proprietary Red Wine’ from Clif Family Winery offers a refined and intriguing expression of Oak Knoll fruit. [...] On the nose, it opens with notes of ripe blackcurrants, dried sage, and dark chocolate, complemented by hints of green peppercorn and smoky tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is layered with dark plum, roasted coffee bean, and savory herbal tones. The subtle presence of pyrazines adds dimension without overpowering, contributing to its balance and structure.

Wine: Clif Family Winery Napa Valley Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard Proprietary Red 2021
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 09/21/2023
Reviewed By: Andrii Stetsiuk
Tasting Notes: Dark fruit and dried herbs with hints of cured meat and ground spices. A little earthy, too. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and sleek on the palate with fine, supple tannins. Creamy finish. [...]

Wine: 2021 Clif Family Winery Proprietary Red Blend
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 12/26/2023
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: From the Oak Knoll region just north of the town of Napa, the 2021 Proprietary Red Blend is based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite [sic] Verdot. It's a much more herbal effort revealing classy darker fruits as well as notes of sappy tobacco, jalape o [sic], and chocolate. There are some clear pyrazines here, but the wine holds things together and is medium to full-bodied, balanced, and has outstanding length.

Wine: Clif Family, Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard Proprietary Red 2021 Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Score/Rating: 16.5/20
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034
Review Date: 05/02/2024
Reviewed By: Jancis Robinson
Tasting Notes: Full bottle 1,330 g. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. [...] Very much fresher than the two Howell Mountain offerings. Well balanced and sleek and racy. Just very slightly hollow towards the end but pretty good.