Freemark Abbey · Cabernet Bosché · Rutherford · 2021
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosché 2021 is an elegant, richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of the Rutherford Bench. Blueberry, kirsch, graphite and forest-floor aromas lead into a supple palate of black fruit compote, cedar, cigar box and mocha, framed by silky, integrated tannins.
One of the winery’s defining vin...Show More >
Freemark Abbey · Cabernet Bosché · Rutherford · 2021
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosché 2021 is an elegant, richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of the Rutherford Bench. Blueberry, kirsch, graphite and forest-floor aromas lead into a supple palate of black fruit compote, cedar, cigar box and mocha, framed by silky, integrated tannins.
One of the winery’s defining vineyard wines, Bosché combines Rutherford character with balance and a graceful texture. Its generous fruit and savory accents make it an appealing choice for a special dinner, while the producer emphasizes its ability to develop over decades.
Producer & Winemaking
Founded in 1886, Freemark Abbey traces its heritage to Josephine Tychson, one of Napa Valley’s first female vintners. Today, Kristy Melton carries that legacy forward as the winery’s eighth winemaker, combining a scientific foundation with a focus on expressive, classically structured wines.
A native of El Paso, Texas, Melton studied Biology and Animal Science at Angelo State University and worked as a research scientist at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. A family trip to Napa Valley inspired her move into wine, leading to a master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis, in 2007. Her experience includes three years as Bordeaux Winemaker for Jackson Family Wines, overseeing Cabernet and Merlot programs across several properties. She has been recognized among Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 40 under 40 Tastemakers” and Drinks Business’ “Top 30 under 40 Winemakers to Watch.”
Kristy Melton: “Nature does not stand still, and neither does our winemaking.”
Ted Edwards joined Freemark Abbey in 1980 after earning degrees in Biochemistry and Food Science and Engineering at UC Davis. Named head winemaker in 1985, he shaped the winery’s elegant, restrained and age-worthy Cabernet style, including its Sycamore Vineyard and Cabernet Bosché wines. In 2020 he passed the winemaking role to Melton and became winemaker emeritus; he completed his retirement in 2023.
Winemaker Description
Bosché will always hold a special place in our heart as our very first single vineyard Cabernet produced in 1968. Nestled in the heart of the Rutherford Bench, the vineyard has the ideal terroir for growing elegant and balanced Cabernet. The wine opens with aromas of blueberry, kirsch, graphite, and forest floor. The palate is rich and supple with notes of black fruit compote, cedar, cigar box, and mocha. The tannins are already silky and integrated which means it drinks wonderfully now and will age gracefully for decades.
Expert Acclaim · Vintage 2021
Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter, 96 Points · September 2024.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, 96 Points · April 2024.
Elaine Chukan Brown, Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points · May 2025.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with grilled steak, rosemary-roasted lamb, braised short ribs or roasted mushrooms. The wine’s black fruit, cedar and mocha notes complement richly savory dishes.
Details
- Producer: Freemark Abbey
- Wine: Cabernet Bosché
- Vintage: 2021
- Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley
- Region: California, United States
- Type: Red wine
- Bottle size: 750ml
- Woman Winemaker
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