Story

With the 2008 vintage, the collaboration between YOSHIKI and his winemaking partner, Rob Mondavi Jr., began. In 2018, to celebrate their tenth anniversary together, they released the limited Y by YOSHIKI Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2016, which is sourced exclusively from the world-renowned cabernet sauvignon growing region in the Napa Valley called “Oakville”—also home of legendary wineries such as Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Opus One, just to name a few.

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which YOSHIKI proudly presented as “a masterpiece”, gained reputation and demands for the next vintage came pouring in. The 2020 vintage was abandoned for release due to the Napa wildfires, but Y by YOSHIKI Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2021 will be released in the summer of 2024 as the Fifth vintage of the Oakville series, after a two-year absence.

Vintage Note

The 2021 vintage is revered for its intensity with very low yields and intensely-flavored, small-sized berries. The season started off with just enough rain to balance the vines, yet it was the 2nd year of drought conditions in Napa Valley, Harvest began early with white wine grapes picked on July 30th and red wine grapes beginning on August 31. Although the small berries of the 2021 vintage are a challenge for yields they are the keystone ingredient for high-intensity and amazing Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Winemaker Notes

Y by YOSHIKI, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville is harvested from the heart of the most prestigious growing region in Napa Valley. Multiple layers of flavor reveal themselves in the glass with a central focus of ripe plum, Loganberry, small Huckleberry, Cassis and hints of broken flint and quarts from the terroir. We use 80% new French Oak Barrels from Alain Fouquet with his signature Margaux style toast level which imparts a richness and silken body to this deliciously smooth and long finishing wine. While a winemaker is not supposed to have favorites, this wine is a true honor to make for YOSHIKI and a pleasure in the glass.