2021 Fiftyrow Alice Block Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California

The Fiftyrow Alice Block Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that exemplifies the essence of Napa Valley’s renowned Rutherford AVA. With its signature "Rutherford Dust," this wine delivers complex, powdery tannins that create a refined yet bold character—a hallmark of the region’s famed terroir. The elegant structure and rich depth of this Cabernet make it a standout, offering a refined balance of power and finesse.

Fiftyrow Vineyards was founded in 2002 by Paul Johnson and Gary Galleron, a name that is synonymous with excellence in Napa Valley. Paul, a former business executive, became deeply passionate about winemaking and, under the guidance of Gary—a legendary 100-point winemaker who’s worked at prestigious estates such as Vineyard 29, Grace Family, Whitehall Lane, Chateau Montelena, Hartwell, Del Dotto, and Seavey—he learned the craft of making world-class wines.

In 2011, after years of mentorship, Paul took the reins as head winemaker, continuing the legacy of quality and refinement that had already been set in motion. To further elevate Fiftyrow’s wines, Paul brought on up-and-coming winemaker Jake Stuessy, who had already made a name for himself with multiple 90-point wines. Together, this team has produced wines that compete with Napa’s most famous names, while keeping them accessible to wine lovers who want exceptional quality without the premium price tag.

The Alice Block Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a select vineyard in Rutherford, where the soils, climate, and sun combine to produce exceptional fruit. This Cabernet is full-bodied, with a dark fruit profile—blackberry, cassis, and subtle hints of spice—that carries through to a long, smooth finish. It's the perfect balance of Napa's boldness and Rutherford’s smooth elegance.

It’s no wonder that Robb Report has recognized the 2021 Fiftyrow Alice Block Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the “best Rutherford Cabs in Napa Valley”. This wine is crafted with the knowledge and expertise of a team that has worked with some of Napa’s most respected wineries, and the accolades speak for themselves.

The iconic "Rutherford Dust" is more than just a catchy term—it's the defining characteristic of the region's exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. First mentioned by legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, "It takes Rutherford dust to make great Cabernet." This refers to the unique terroir of the Rutherford AVA, marked by its rich, loamy soils and distinctive powdery tannins. These tannins impart a rare texture and complexity, contributing to a wine's balance and longevity. It’s this distinctive quality that has made Rutherford Cabernets some of the most sought-after wines in Napa Valley, coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

2021 was a fabulous year for Napa Valley. Vinous Media awarded this year a 95-98-point score saying that "Two thousand twenty-one is a fabulous vintage in Napa Valley. That’s the good news. The not so good news is that production is down sharply, 30-50% in many cases."

Aging: Aged in French oak barrels for 20 months.