The “Judgment of Caudalie” tasting event in London showcased the quality of wines from Napa Valley, specifically focusing on two wines from Cathiard Vineyard, owned by Florence and Daniel Cathiard. This tasting was organized to compare their Napa Valley wines against some of the most well-known Cabernet Sauvignons from the region, such as those from Harlan, Colgin, and Opus One, although these noted brands were absent from the event.
The tasting was structured by Ella Lister from Wine Lister, who proposed a blind tasting where the Cathiard Napa Valley Sauvignon would compete with high-caliber Napa Cabernets from the 2021 vintage. The dynamic Cathiard, known for their winery Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux, embraced this challenge and presented their 2021 vintage, just their second since acquiring the property in January 2020.
During the event, the managing director of Cathiard Vineyard, Fabien Teitgen, explained their meticulous vineyard management approach since purchasing the estate. They aimed for a balance often sought in Bordeaux wines while adapting to the distinctive styles typical of Napa. The vintage of 2021 proved to be early and cool, supporting their goal of creating wines that are flavorful yet exhibit moderation in oak influence, ensuring drinkability in their youth.
The tasting was not just a showcase of notable names but examined the stylistic differences within Napa itself, separating traditional, heavily oaked interpretations from more modern, elegant expressions. Participants knew they would be tasting ten prestigious Napa wines, including the Cathiard selections, but had not expected to encounter so much stylistic variance or to see two Cathiard wines perform so well against their competitors.
While discussing preferences post-tasting, it became evident that while all wines were of high quality, individual preferences varied widely across the panel of tasters. The traditional Napa styles were typically more robust and oaky, whereas the Cathiard wines were noted for their brightness, elegance, and approachable characteristics.
Florence Cathiard cheekily included not just her Napa Sauvignon but also her Founding Brothers blend in the tasting lineup. The results showcased Cathiard Vineyard’s capacity to stand alongside some of Napa Valley’s best, with many tasting notes appreciating their modern, elegant approach to winemaking.
In summary, the event illustrated both the intrinsic quality of the new entrants in Napa Valley and the evolving expectations and preferences of wine professionals, highlighting the contrasting styles within the region that shape the identity of Napa Valley wines today.
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