Vinroc “Coyotes Howl” 2021

High above the Napa Valley floor, the 2021 VinRoc “Coyotes Howl” Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of Cabernet grown at the edge of what is easy. VinRoc’s tiny estate vineyard sits at approximately 1,600 feet on Atlas Peak, where steep slopes, rocky volcanic soils, and dramatic shifts between warm days and cool mountain nights create an environment ideally suited to producing Cabernet with both concentration and freshness.

That vineyard character remains the focus in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon from individual sections of the estate is hand-harvested, fermented, and aged separately, allowing each portion of the vineyard to develop on its own before the final blend is assembled. The wines spend approximately two years in French oak followed by additional bottle aging, with the intent of building texture and complexity without allowing oak to overshadow the character of the mountain fruit.

The result challenges the assumption that mountain Cabernet must always be dominated by massive black fruit and formidable tannins. Coyotes Howl shows a more nuanced side of Atlas Peak. Red cherry, dark raspberry, wild plum, and strawberry lead the aromatic profile, joined by sweet baking spice and a distinctive suede-like note. On the palate, raspberry, red cherry, and currant are layered with dried sage and tobacco leaf, bringing a savory dimension to the wine’s vibrant fruit.