Darms Lane Winery 'Fortune 1621' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

Rooted in both Napa Valley’s rich soils and the Bump family’s early American heritage, the 2023 Darms Lane 'Fortune 1621' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, offers a polished and approachable expression of this world-renowned wine region. Named in honor of the family’s ancestor who arrived on the ship Fortune in 1621, this second label from Darms Lane Winery delivers classic Napa character with balance, depth, and elegance.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Brian Mox
• Grape Composition: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
• Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
• Production Volume: Approximately 2,795 cases
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation
• Aging: 18 months in oak barrels (85% French oak - 15% new; 15% American oak - all new)

Sensory Description:

This Cabernet opens with a fresh bouquet of ripe cherry, boysenberry, and soft hints of oak and vanilla. The palate unfolds with generous flavors of jammy cherry, blackberry, and subtle mocha and chocolate notes. Medium-bodied with a sweet red fruit entry, the wine shows nicely balanced acidity, fine tannins, and a supple texture that carries through to a smooth, lingering finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Darms Lane Winery’s Fortune 1621 label is a tribute to the adventurous journey of Edouard Bompasse, who arrived in Plymouth Harbor aboard the Fortune in 1621. Today, his descendants continue that pioneering spirit through winemaking, crafting approachable, high-quality wines that showcase Napa Valley’s bounty. Under the experienced guidance of winemaker Brian Mox, known for his work at Lewis Cellars and Etude, the winery blends fruit primarily from Oak Knoll District vineyards to produce elegant, balanced wines that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and casual wine lovers alike.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a large Bordeaux glass to allow the wine’s expressive aromatics and layered structure to fully unfold. This Cabernet pairs beautifully with a range of richly flavored dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, herb-crusted rack of lamb, braised short ribs, and roast duck with cherry glaze. It also complements hearty vegetarian options like wild mushroom risotto or roasted eggplant with Mediterranean herbs. For cheese pairings, opt for aged cheddar, Gouda, or a creamy blue like Roquefort to enhance the wine’s depth and supple tannins. This is a perfect choice for both elegant dinners and casual gatherings.

The 2023 Darms Lane 'Fortune 1621' Cabernet Sauvignon offers a beautifully crafted expression of Napa Valley, blending ripe fruit, polished