Staff Notes:
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Massa Vineyard comes from old vines planted in 1968 in the Carmel Valley near the coast. "For us, the best expressions are varietally distinct, and we wanted to pay homage to that older style in California," say Natalie Siddique and Ryan Pace, the newly married couple behind Outward, founded in 2016. Grapes were destemmed and spent 30 days on skins with delicate pour-overs done "by hand with a pitcher," they quip—their production is still tiny, with about 1,100 cases made in 2021. The Massa Cabernet has a medium ruby-purple color and bright aromas of red and black currants, blueberries, sage, aniseed and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate is delicately intense with perfumed fruit and savory accents. It has an approachable, lightly chalky frame, energetic acidity calling you in for another sip and a long, floral finish. It's an elegant, easy-to-drink style to enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Only 144 cases were made. 93 Points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate