Concentrated Wines
2021 Touché Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley
97 points
"Deep garnet in hue, the 2021 En Garde Touché Cabernet Sauvignon commands attention as a bold and elegant expression of Napa Valley’s Diamond Mountain District and Atlas Peak AVAs. The nose unfolds with layers of wild blackberries, fragrant spice, and a subtle touch of oak. On the palate, this full-bodied and finely structured wine delivers vibrant energy and a long, persistent finish marked by finesse and depth. For a refined pairing, consider Cantonese-style Wagyu beef with black garlic and shiitake reduction—the luxurious marbling and umami-laden sauce elevate the wine’s dark fruit, while the earthy mushrooms and sweet-savory glaze mirror its spice-laced complexity." - Wilfred Wong
96+ points (The Wine Independent)
"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Touché Reserve charges out of the glass with powerful notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and Indian spices, plus nuances of violets, dark chocolate and camphor in the background. The big, rich, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spices flavors, framed by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and opulent." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown
96 points (International Wine Report)
"The 2021 En Garde Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Touché Reserve’ is an exquisite blend of 66% Diamond Mountain Cabernet, 33% Atlas Peak Cabernet, and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 24 months in 100% new Darnajou French oak barrels. From the first pour, this wine captivates with a deep brooding purple-blue core and a shimmering ruby rim. Aromas of dark cherries, marionberries, mountain sagebrush, fresh bay leaf, tobacco leaf, and hints of espresso beans and dusty earth leap from the glass. Full-bodied and refined, it showcases polished, elegant tannins that dance across the gums, with perfectly balanced acidity rounding out the finish. Highly recommended." - Jeremy Young
96 points (The Wine Advocate- Robertparker.com)
"Two-thirds from Diamond Mountain and one-third from Atlas Peak, all matured in new Darnajou barrels for 24 months, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Touche Reserve is a barrel selection of the very best lots in the cellar. The compelling nose begins with mixed red and black cherries, then develops undertones of mocha and roasted meat and adds grace notes of dried sage and bay leaf. It's full-bodied and ripe, with supple tannins and balanced acids leading to a broad, expansive feel on the palate, then a softly dusty, lingering finish. Can a $200 dollar wine be considered a good value?" - Joe Czerwinski
96 points (Steve Heimoff)
"It’s hard to make distinctions between En Garde’s top Cabs and Bordeaux blends because they’re all so good. Each shares the same characteristics: mountain fruit concentration. Varietal purity. Perfect oak influence. Balancing acidity and tannins. And that hard-to-define quality called elegance. This blend, which contains a splash of Cabernet Franc, is sourced from Diamond Mountain and Atlas Peak, at opposite ends of the valley. From the very first sip it dazzles, with that full-bodied Cabernet quality you expect from En Garde. I’m giving it a point higher than the winery’s ’21 Bijou, but if you blind-tasted me again, I might easily reverse that." - Steve Heimoff
96 points (OwenBargreen.com)
"The 2021 ‘Touche Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine made by winemaker Csaba Szakal. Once on the nose this takes on layers of toasty oak that mingle well with dark chocolate shavings, toasted dates, black currant cordial and suggestions of black licorice. The palate is plush and seamless throughout the drinking experience, offering a core of concentrated black and blue fruits alongside wet stone and cedar accents. Totally captivating to taste now, enjoy this beauty over the next two decades. Drink 2024-2044" - Dr. Owen Bargreen
91 points
"A spiced red with succulent dark berries, chocolate, walnuts and hints of cloves on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins and a deep core of fruit in the middle. Juicy and mellow. Drink or hold. " - James Suckling
2021 Le Bijou du Roi Cabernet Sauvignon - Diamond Mountain District
95 points (The Wine Independent)
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Bijou du Roi is deep garnet-purple in color. Plum pudding, fruit cake, and warm cassis scents jump from the glass, giving way to hints of Chinese five spice, incense, dusty soil, and fallen leaves. The concentrated, full-bodied palate is chock full of fragrant baked berries flavors with a plush texture and lively backbone to balance, finishing long and layered." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown
95 points (International Wine Report)
"The 2021 En Garde ‘Le Bijou Du Roi Reserve’ from the Diamond Mountain District is a powerful and elegant 100% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from Clone 337. Aged for 24 months in 80% new Darnajou French oak barrels, it pours a shimmering dark purple-blue core with a neon light purple rim. Earthy and slightly meaty on the nose at first, it quickly evolves to reveal lush aromas of crushed blackberries, sweet anise, blue plums, and subtle umami tones. Full-bodied and broad across the palate, it features sweet, fine-grained tannins and elevated acidity, leading to a gorgeous, lingering finish. This wine promises to age beautifully for 15-20 years, with its prime beginning in 2025." - Jeremy Young
95 points (Steve Heimoff)
"As delicious as the Hendrickson Cabernet is, Le Bijou is even better. By that I mean it is considerably richer and more concentrated. As the first sip crosses the lips and penetrates the taste buds, it explodes in a blast of blackberry essence that is almost chocolatey when combined with new oak. The alcohol gives a liqueury push towards crème de cassis, with a pleasant heat and a sweetness that somehow manages to finish entirely dry. This is a “wow!” of a wine, a full-bodied 100% Cabernet that captures what Diamond Mountain does to the variety in a good, low-yielding vintage like 2021. Superb now, and while it will likely ride out the years, there’s no reason not to drink it now." - Steve Heimoff
95 points (OwenBargreen.com)
"The beautiful and harmonious 2021 En Garde ‘Le Bijou du Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Sori Bricco Vineyard in the Diamond Mountain District. Stored in 80% new French oak for 24 months before bottling, this delivers wonderful concentration in its Black Forest Cake and cassis notes alongside shades of pencil lead and stony minerals. Full-bodied and voluptuous in terms of both weight and texture, enjoy this stunner now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2042" - Dr. Owen Bargreen
94 points (The Wine Advocate- Robertparker.com)
"All Clone 337 from the Sori Bricco Vineyard on Diamond Mountain, En Garde's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Bijou du Roi Reserve spent 24 months in 80% new Darnajou barrels. Yes, there's a mocha-meaty veneer to the wine's aromas, but potent black-cherry notes shine through, joined by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some gently earthy nuances. It's full-bodied and expansive on the palate, concentrated and tannic but ripe and supple, with a softly dusty finish that carries the considerable alcohol (labeled at 15.4%) fairly well." - Joe Czerwinski
91 points
"Spiced and slightly tarry nose with notes of dark fruit, walnuts, licorice and bark. Medium- to full-bodied, ripe and generous, with a deep core of fruit and velvety tannins. Racy and vibrant. Drink now." - James Suckling
2021 Grand Vin - Diamond Mountain District
97 points (Steve Heimoff)
"Easily as concentrated and intense as En Garde’s other ‘21s, but different. You don’t get that blackberry and cassis, because this wine is 85% Merlot, with only 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, making it softer and gentler. It veers towards velvety red fruits and milk chocolate, with an earthy, mushroomy complexity, reminiscent of ground coffee, that must come from the high altitude volcanic soil and from the oak. There’s a Right Bank flamboyance that suggests drinking now, although it will surely be great in ten years. The tannins are so intricate, so finely ground, providing just the right structure to frame all the richness. And the finish is very long. All in all, a very great achievement for En Garde and in my opinion, their best of the ‘21s." - Steve Heimoff
94 points (The Wine Independent)
"Mainly made from Merlot, the 2021 Grand Vin has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. Notes of black raspberries, mulberries, and fresh black cherries leap from the glass, leading to hints of dried Provence herbs, graphite, rose oil, and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is surprisingly light on its feet and refreshing, offering finely grained tannins and bags of bright red and black berry flavors, finishing with compelling purity." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown
93 points (International Wine Report)
"The 2021 En Garde Merlot ‘Grand Vin’ from the Diamond Mountain District is a beautifully structured blend of 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged for 24 months in 50% new Darnajou French oak and Francois Freres HO barrels, this wine pours a dark, glimmering purple core with a reddish rim. On the nose, it offers inviting notes of blue plums, boysenberries, dried sage, milk chocolate shavings, and cedary herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it showcases gracious tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and a lovely, structured finish." - Jeremy Young
93 points (OwenBargreen.com)
"The seriously good 2021 ‘Grand Vin’ is mainly Merlot (85%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. This is soft and generous on the mouth, with sandalwood accents that caress a core of chocolate covered coffee bean, loganberry puree and shades of tar with tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and beautifully-textured, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2040" - Dr. Owen Bargreen
90 points (The Wine Advocate- Robertparker.com)
"The 2021 Grand Vin is 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, all aged 24 months in 50% new Darnajou and François Frères barrels. Sourced from the Sori Bricco Vineyard on Diamond Mountain, it offers up restrained scents of clay-like earth, black cherries and faint herbal shadings. In the mouth, it's medium-bodied and streamlined, with a silky feel on the palate, then finishes a bit tart." - Joe Czerwinski
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hendrickson Vineyard Reserve - Atlas Peak
96 points (The Wine Independent)
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hendrickson Vineyard offers classic notes of cassis, juicy plums, and cedar chest, followed by nuances of cumin seed, tar, and underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is layered with earth-laced black fruit flavors, supported by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a minerally note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown
94 points (International Wine Report)
"The 2021 En Garde Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak’s Hendrickson Vineyard is a captivating expression of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from Clones 7 and 8. Aged for 24 months in 66% new Darnajou French oak and Kadar Hungarian oak barrels, this wine opens with bountiful aromas of black cherries, boysenberry compote, sweet baking spices, dried cedary herbs, grilled orange peel, and hints of turned earth. It offers additional flavors of dusty country road, sandalwood, and blue plum skin on the palate. The tannins are soft yet present, supported by elevated acidity, leading to a lovely, lingering finish. A beautifully balanced and complex Cabernet." - Jeremy Young
94 points
"The 2021 En Garde ‘Hendrickson Vineyard Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this site on Atlas Peak. Stored in a combination of Hungarian and French oak barrels for 24 months (66% new), this comes off wonderfully stony on the nose with wet rock, cassis, sweet pipe tobacco and suggestions of violets. The palate is seriously good and layered with a bright beam of acidity that runs through the core of black and blue fruits. A killer wine at 100 bucks, enjoy this beautiful effort now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2040" - Dr. Owen Bargreen
93 points (The Wine Advocate- Robertparker.com)
"En Garde's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hendrickson Vineyard Reserve comes from Atlas Peak. It's a blend of Clones 7 and 8, aged 24 months in two-thirds new oak, from Darnajou and Kádár (a Hungarian cooper). Cherries lead the way on the nose, joined by notes of cardamom and allspice, plus a hint of dried sage, while the palate is medium-bodied and silky in feel. Hints of pencil shavings, dried herbs and cherries linger elegantly on the softly tannic finish. It's an impressively charming effort that should have at least 15 years of longevity ahead of it. Like the 2019, which didn't have the vineyard name on the bottle, it's a solid value, even if it will set you back a C-note." - Joe Czerwinski
92 points (Steve Heimoff)
"We normally think of En Garde as a Diamond Mountain Cabernet winery but they’ve turned to Atlas Peak in the past, as with their 2019 Cabernet, which I called major league and flamboyant. So is this 100% Cabernet. From the melted chocolate, blackberry and blueberry jam and smoky oak aromas, it explodes in the mouth, a complex mélange of cassis liqueur, dried herbs and peppery spice. But the mountain tannins are very strong. They lend an astringent structure to the flavors, which savory acidity boosts. My main gripe to what is otherwise a savory, delicious young wine is some heat from high alcohol and overripeness of the grapes. Drink over the next few years." - Steve Heimoff
91 points
"Attractive aromas of dark cherries and blackberries with hints of cedar, licorice and cocoa. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and racy on the palate, with smooth, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. It’s very approachable, bright and fruity. Drink or hold." - James Suckling
2021 Petit Verdot - Moon Mountain District
97 points, Best Single Bordeaux Variety (SIFF Wine Competition)
"To match its stunning dark purple-red hue, this dynamic, full-bodied offering of Petit Verdot features concentrated flavors of ripe berries, black cherry, cassis; a velvety texture; and firm structure." - Christopher Sawyer
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon - Moon Mountain District
96 points (SIFF Wine Competition)
94 points (Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
"Aromas of chocolate-covered cherries and licorice waft from the glass of this broad and sumptuous high-mountain Cabernet. Flavors of kirsch, caramel, black pepper and wildflowers blossom on the palate before a long and neatly balanced finish. You could age this, but on the other hand." — Tom Capo
93 points (Innternational Wine Report)
"The 2021 Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon opens with inviting aromas of dark chocolate-dipped raspberries, anise, and a hint of violet. On the palate, flavors of ripe black cherry, burnt sugar, cracked black pepper, and a whisper of lavender unfold with elegance. Broad and richly textured, this high-altitude Cabernet balances power and finesse beautifully. The finish lingers with finely tuned structure, blending polished tannins and vibrant acidity. " - Jeremy Young
91 points (JamesSuckling.com)
"Vibrant and lifted nose displaying aromas of raspberries, cherries, tea leaves and spices. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and acidity, showing notes of blueberries, violets and vanillin. Drink or hold" - Jim Gordon
2021 Cabernet Franc - Knights Valley
96 points (SIFF Wine Competition)
"Elegant Cabernet Franc with deep, rich, and lively notes of black cherry, blue fruits, mineral, and hints of spice." - Christopher Sawyer
92 points (The Wine Advocate- Robertparker.com)
"Released near the beginning of 2025, En Garde's 2021 Cabernet Franc delivers waves of dark fruit—plums and black cherries. It's full-bodied and rich, even a bit chocolaty on the palate, with supple tannins and a long, slightly warm finish. Just 75 cases produced, aged in Hungarian oak as an homage to owner-winemaker Csaba Szakál's heritage." - Joe Czerwinski
92 points (Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
"Chocolate covered cherry, mocha and spiced plum aromas waft from the nose of this rich and decadent Cab Franc that was aged in Hungarian barrels. There's more berry fruit and toasty flavors on the palate, with a lovely balance of acid and tannin on the velvety finish." - Tom Capo
92 points (Innternational Wine Report)
"The 2021 Cabernet Franc from En Garde showcases a deep crimson hue and delivers a bold, inviting aroma profile. Notes of black cherries, cedar, crushed herbs, and earthy truffle rise from the glass, creating a layered and enticing bouquet. On the palate, this full-bodied wine reveals a bright core of acidity balanced by velvety tannins, with flavors of red currant, cocoa nibs, and a subtle smoky undertone. The finish is clean and smooth, leaving hints of espresso and dried tobacco on the back palate." - Jeremy Young
2021 Pinot Noir Passion de la Reine Reserve - Russian River Valley
95 points (SteveHeimoff.com)
"Strikes me as far more delicate and complex than En Garde’s other ’21 Pinots, making it a true Reserve. There’s the same concentration of berry-cherry, cola, sassafras and mocha fruit, with a rich veneer of oak. But somehow the tannins are gentler, the taste more refined, the experience more satisfying. The wine feels lush in the mouth and fantails into a spicy, rich finish. Very fine. Will age for a while, but it’s pretty delicious now. It’s what I think of as a white-tablecloth Pinot Noir, a serious wine meant to accompany serious food." - Steve Heimoff
90 points (Jeb Dunnuck)
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Passion De La Reine has a dark profile and is warming with wooded spice, black cherry, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, it offers good freshness on the palate, with fine tannins and red and black fruit, mocha, and fresh flowers. Drink it over the next few years." - Audrey Frick
2021 Pinot Noir Pleasant Hill - Russian River Valley
94 points (SIFF Wine Competition)
"Classic balance of big rich and pleasant fruit flavors from Russian River Valley" - Christopher Sawyer
92 points (Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
"Beautiful, pure fruit flavors are backed by tangy acidity and a touch of tannin in this generous, elegant wine. Black cherries, raspberries and rhubarb all chime in along with woodsy, black-tea nuances. Best through 2030." - Jim Gordon
91 points (Steve Heimoff)
"Another big, oaky, ripe, tannic Pinot Noir. Masses of currants and cherries, with the sassafras of certain Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs. The tannins are rather scoury, the acidity very nice. The impression is of a delicious red wine, dry and spicy on the finish, and rather portlike. The challenge for En Garde is to find a way to balance this ripe richness with the exotic complexity that makes every sip different from the last. That is not the case here." - Steve Heimoff
91 points (Owen Bargreen)
"The outstanding 2021 En Garde ‘Pleasant Hill’ Pinot Noir was stored for 14 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Soft red fruits collide with copious minerals and loamy soil notes on the palate. Juicy and delicious, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031" - Owen Bargreen
2021 Pinot Noir Roma's Vineyard - Anderson Valley
93 points (Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
"This friendly, juicy, generous wine offers yummy red and black cherries, raspberries and softer plums, braced by light tannins and a bit of tangy acidity. It's a delight to drink now–2029." - Jim Gordon
92 points (SIFF Wine Competition)
"Well made wine led by big, rich flavors of sweet red cherries and spice." - Christopher Sawyer
2021 Pinot Noir Hernandez Vineyard - Los Carneros
91 points (SteveHeimoff.com)
"This is a big, oaky, dense, pretty full-bodied Pinot Noir, as Pinots from Cabernet specialist En Garde tend to be. It’s extremely young, but tasty, with ripe cherry, plum, sassafras tea, cola, teriaki and toasty oak flavors that finish dry, spicy and complex. It’s certainly delicious, but the tannins are tough and sandpapery. You could drink it with a big steak, but I’d suggest sticking it in the cellar for a few years—not much longer, because there’s some overripeness that will eventually be harmful." - Steve Heimoff
90 points (Jeb Dunnuck)
"Taking on a darker appearance and character, the 2021 Pinot Noir Hernandez Vineyard is ripe with baked cherry, crushed flowers, and turned earth. Full-bodied with notes of black raspberry, sweet tannins, and a juicy finish, it has more meatiness and richness. Drink it over the next several years." - Audrey Frick
2021 Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast
92 points (Owen Bargreen.com)
"Very fresh with lovely tension, the 2021 En Garde ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers red rose water and pomegranate seed flavors on the palate, with salty soil accents. Medium-bodied and chalk-filled with finesse, uncork this over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031" - Owen Bargreen
91 points (Critics Challenge International Wine Competition)
90 points (Jeb Dunnuck)
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is fresh and inviting with its aromatics of raspberry liqueur, pine, pressed flowers, and cinnamon. Medium-bodied, with notes of ripe red cherry, orange peel, and fresh clove, it has fine tannins and good freshness on the finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years." - Audrey Frick
2021 Allez Blanc - 70% Chenin Blanc + 30% Viognier
94 points, Best Aromatic White Wine (SIFF Wine Competition)
"An aromatic gem, which fills the palate with enchanting notes of fresh fruit and citrus" - Christopher Sawyer
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