Brendel Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Brendel is a modern Napa project tied to the Heitz Cellar/Lawrence Wine Estates family, named after early Napa vintner Leon Brendel. The idea is to make expressive, organically farmed wines with minimal interference. Winemaking is led by Heitz’s team (Brittany Sherwood), and the house style avoids new oak to keep things pure, bright, and true to site, while still nodding to classic Napa heritage.

The 2021 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a balanced, classically shaped Cab made from mostly Napa Valley fruit with a meaningful portion from Sonoma, giving it a broader North Coast feel and extra lift. It is harvested at night, fermented cool, and aged about nine months in large, older upright oak casks sealed with reeds, which preserves purity and structure without adding sweet, obvious oak flavors. Expect vibrant red and black fruit, a savory backbone, and a long, composed finish. It pairs beautifully with grilled steak or lamb, herb roasted chicken, or a mushroom forward pasta where the wine can play off smoky, charry, or umami rich flavors.