Enfield Wine Co Waterhorse Ridge Fort Ross-Seaview Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Enfield Wine Co · Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast, California, USA
At a glance
- Producer
- Enfield Wine Co
- Region
- Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast, California, USA
- Grape variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $50-$70
Tasting profile
Aromas of dark blackberry, cassis, graphite, and hints of forest floor; palate shows dense fruit, cedar oak, and firm tannins
Evolution: Over next 5-8 years, fruit will integrate with oak, tannins will soften, and tertiary notes of leather and tobacco will develop
At peak: Balanced complex layers of dark fruit, earth, spice, and smooth tannins with lingering finish
Structure
- Acidity
- Moderate to high, balancing richness
- Tannins
- Firm and prominent, providing structure for aging
- Alcohol
- 14.5% ABV
- Aging potential
- 15+ years with proper cellaring
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2028 to 2046
- Optimal window
- 2026 to 2049
- Current status
- Ready to start opening but still youthful, best to wait for more development
- Current condition
- Structured tannins and acidity indicate potential for long aging; currently approachable with aeration
The 2021 vintage at Fort Ross-Seaview produced structured, concentrated Cabernets with firm tannins and acidity, allowing for extended maturation. The wine’s balance of ripeness and structure supports a peak drinking window starting about 5 years after vintage, with a plateau of 8-10 years reflecting gradual integration of fruit and secondary flavors.
Food pairing
Pairs excellently with grilled red meats, game dishes, aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, and dishes with earthy mushroom sauces.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (1-2 hours) — Firm tannins and concentrated fruit benefit from aeration to open aromas and soften palate
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Use of cover crops, drip irrigation to conserve water, solar panels for partial winery energy needs, minimal pesticide use
Enfield Wine Co follows sustainable farming practices certified by Sonoma County Sustainable Winegrowers, incorporating water conservation and renewable energy initiatives to reduce environmental impact. While not fully organic or biodynamic certified, their approach balances vineyard health and resource efficiency. Local production mitigates transport emissions, but international distribution contributes to carbon footprint.