Introduction:
The 2021 “Promiscua” Cabernet Sauvignon from Burgess Cellars is a modern, expressive Napa Valley Cabernet that balances mountain structure with valley-floor generosity. “Promiscua,” meaning “blended” or “mixed,” reflects the winery’s approach of integrating fruit from multiple vineyard sources to create a harmonious and accessible yet age-worthy wine.

Terrior:
Sourced from select vineyards across the Napa Valley AVA, including elevated sites influenced by volcanic soils and cooler mountain air, the fruit benefits from intense sunlight, warm days, and cool evenings. These diurnal shifts preserve acidity while ensuring full phenolic ripeness, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, structure, and aromatic lift.

Appearance:
Deep garnet with a nearly opaque core and purple highlights, showing excellent concentration and youthful vibrancy.

Nose:
Rich and layered, revealing aromas of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry intertwined with notes of graphite, cedar, mocha, and vanilla. Subtle hints of dried herbs and baking spice add complexity and polish.

Palate:
Full-bodied and structured, with ripe dark fruit flavors—blackcurrant, plum, and blueberry—supported by firm yet refined tannins. Balanced acidity provides lift, while well-integrated oak contributes texture and warmth through notes of cocoa, clove, and toasted wood.

Finish:
Long and persistent, finishing with lingering dark fruit, subtle spice, and a savory mineral edge that underscores its aging potential.

Food Pairings:

• Meat: Grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, herb-crusted lamb

• Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms, lentil stew, roasted eggplant

• Charcuterie Board: Aged cheddar, blue cheese, cured meats, spiced nuts

Overall Impression:
This 2021 Burgess Promiscua Cabernet Sauvignon seamlessly integrates Napa Valley ripeness, mountain-driven structure, and polished winemaking. Concentrated yet balanced, with layered dark fruit and refined tannins, it pairs beautifully with hearty meats and robust dishes while offering the capacity to develop further with cellaring.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable vineyard sourcing
Producer Name: Burgess Cellars
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Napa Valley AVA, California
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon (with small amounts of Bordeaux varietals)
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Dry, full-bodied red wine
Winemaking Techniques: Small-lot fermentation, extended maceration, aging in French oak barrels (partial new oak)
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Burgess Cellars official producer tasting notes and technical information
• Napa Valley AVA climate and soil references

Check out the press!
 
96 points, James Suckling:
"Such beautiful black currant, ink, iron, bark, and terra-cotta aromas follow through to a medium body, with firm tannins that are chewy too. Rose petal. Candied cherry. Fresh and fine at the end. This transparency is impressive. Almost pinot-like in its personality. All about the aromatics. Drink or hold."
 
94 points, Decanter:
"Medium-bodied with alluring bright fruit and mineral aromatics, leading to candied Bing cherry fruit that grabs ahold of the mid-palate and lingers, nuanced by rose petal florals, plums, blackberry, and crunchy pomegranate seeds. The super long finish builds in more cedarwood and toffee, all elegant and balanced, never sweet or cloying. Loads of impressionable tannins resolve with mouthwatering acidity. It's an enigma of a wine best
enjoyed over a long meal."
 
93 points, Wine Spectator
#73, Top-100 Wines of 2024:
"An enticing, delicious version, showing ripe, juicy boysenberry and blackberry paste flavors laced with anise and apple wood notes. Offers lively grip, while pretty violet and iris accents keep this balanced and fresh throughout. Drink now through 2038." 
 
46 of The 50 Greatest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons
of the 21st Century (So Far), Robb Report:
"We think the 2021 Burgess Promiscua Cab is delicious. It has aromas of candied cherry, cigar box, and red raspberry that lead to flavors of blackberry, crushed violet petals, and red currant."