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90pts Vinous
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Waterhorse Ridge Vineyard, matured in around 30% new oak, has pure scents of redcurrant, woodsmoke, leather, bay leaves and allspice. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with spicy red fruit. It has grainy tannins, juicy acidity and a long, spicy finish. It's easy to drink without being overly herbal and will pair widely at the table. Drink Date: 2024 - 2029

Published: Mar 29, 2024

The 2022 'Waterhorse Ridge' Cabernet Sauvignon from Enfield Wine Co. is a striking, mountain-grown expression of Cabernet—cool-climate in spirit, wild in energy, and deeply rooted in its remote Sonoma Coast terroir.

Appearance:
Deep ruby with a violet rim, youthful and vibrant in the glass, showing clarity and depth.

Nose:
Highly aromatic and lifted, the nose leans into wild blackberry, black currant, and graphite, with intriguing layers of sagebrush, cedar, and crushed rock. There’s an herbal freshness here—cool bay leaf and tobacco leaf—that sets it apart from riper, valley-floor counterparts.

Palate:
Medium-bodied by Napa standards, but intense in flavor. The 2022 vintage offers taut, coiled fruit—black plum, cassis, and red currant—wrapped around finely grained tannins and racy acidity. A strong mineral line runs through the core, with notes of charred earth and mountain herbs emerging on the long, precise finish.

Structure & Character:
This is Cabernet with restraint and nerve—built more like a left-bank Bordeaux from a cooler vintage than a blockbuster California red. The altitude and marine influence of Waterhorse Ridge lend it lift and tension, while the hands-off, native-yeast winemaking from John Lockwood keeps the wine transparent and alive.

Pairing Suggestions:
Pairs well with rosemary-crusted lamb, grilled mushrooms, aged cheddar, or a simple steak with sea salt and olive oil. It would also shine with game meats or slow-braised beef.

Conclusion:
The 2022 ‘Waterhorse Ridge’ Cabernet is a soulful, site-driven wine that challenges expectations of California Cabernet. It’s not about power—it’s about precision, place, and purity. A must for those seeking freshness and structure over richness.