“2021 is being hailed as one of the greatest Napa vintages in decades.”
— Vinography
The 2021 growing season gave Napa Valley something rare: concentration, elegance, and purity — all in one glass.
What Made 2021 So Special?
The 2021 vintage arrived on the heels of adversity. After the devastating Lighting Fire started on August 17th that left most of Napa Valley with smoke taint within 7 days, and the Glass Fire in late September 27th, these 2020 fires left Napa’s growers and winemakers approaching the following year with cautious optimism. What they got was a near-perfect growing season.
Second consecutive drought year – Only ~7 inches of rain
Low yields – Smaller, more concentrated berries
No major heat spikes or smoke – A clean, consistent season
Extended harvest window – Slow ripening = structure and balance
“A vintage of very high quality and small quantity, with concentrated flavors, fine-grained tannins, and great overall balance.”
— James Suckling
Fewer Grapes, Bigger Impact
The drought conditions in 2021 caused vines to produce fewer grapes, but the quality soared. Smaller berries meant thicker skins, darker color, and deeper structure.
“The combination of low yields and a steady, moderate growing season delivered wines of uncommon purity and energy.”
— Wine Spectator
Unlike in 2020, there was no smoke taint, and the harvest came in smoothly — a welcome relief for vintners and collectors alike.
Historical Context: Resilience in the Vines
The 2021 vintage represents a comeback story for Napa Valley for those who knew that smoke levels were too high to make wine. After wildfire damage and erratic climate patterns in prior years, this vintage marks a return to form like many of the prior Napa Valley vintages. Vineyards were attended for like every year,
- Elevated AVAs like Howell Mountain saw even more concentration
- Organically farmed vineyards (like ours) showed resilience under drought pressure
What Critics Are Saying
“The best wines of 2021 will age gracefully for 25–40 years.”
— The Wine Independent
“One of the most complete Napa vintages I’ve tasted in two decades.”
— Vinography
“An apex vintage from a redemption year.”
— James Suckling
Neal Family Vineyards: 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Releases
At Neal Family Vineyards, we knew something special was happening in 2021. As third-generation farmers with deep Rutherford and Howell Mountain roots, we saw our organic vines respond beautifully to the season’s stress. The result?
Power. Elegance. Balance.
Our 2021 Cabernet Sauvignons are a direct reflection of a season that rewarded patience and purpose. These wines express the full character of our land—uncompromised, intentional, and rooted in Regenerative Organic farming methods. These are not just Cabernet Sauvignons. Truly a sense of place, Rutherford and Howell Estates, family run, full turn key of hard work and love and it shows in our wines, shaped by decades of soil stewardship, and built to age with integrity.
“These are not just wines — they’re a direct expression of our land, our farming methods, and our philosophy.”
— Mark Neal
What Sets Neal Famil Vineyard Wines Apart:
- Certified Organically & Biodynamically farmed estate vineyards — cared for by our own hands since 1968
- Native yeast fermentations — allowing the fruit and site to fully express themselves
- Mountain-grown structure — fine tannins, layered minerality, and natural age-worthiness
- Crafted at our winery in Howell Mountain, top of the line equipment right down to an inside bottling line.
“We don’t chase trends or manipulate the fruit. We let the vineyard and the vintage speak—and in 2021, they had a lot to say.”
— Mark Neal
Discover the purity of certified organic wine. Explore our collection of award-winning organic wines and more at Neal Vineyards.
