Daily Wine Review 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon

I just popped a 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon in honor of a Tuesday that felt like it deserved Friday energy. It’s 2025, and honestly, this bottle has been sitting in my wine rack for months, intimidating me with its fancy label and $85 price tag. You know when you buy something expensive and then feel too guilty to actually use it? That was me and this wine. But after a particularly successful work presentation (and my boyfriend being out with his friends), I decided tonight was finally the night to see if this Napa Valley heavyweight deserved its reputation and that 93-point James Suckling rating.

Let me tell you—the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon comes with expectations. It’s that friend who shows up looking perfectly put-together while the rest of us are still in our comfy pants. I’ve been curious if this splurge was warranted or if I’d fallen for clever marketing. So grab your favorite wine glass and let’s dive into whether this Stag’s Leap creation is worth canceling plans for (spoiler: I might have ghosted my 8pm Zoom call).

The Quick Sip Summary: Is ARTEMIS Worth the Hype?

My Rating: 8.5/10

✅ What I Loved:

• The silky, well-integrated tannins (no weird mouth-drying effect)
• Rich blackberry and mocha notes that feel luxurious without trying too hard
• A finish that lingers like the memory of a perfect date
• That moment when you take a sip and involuntarily say “mmm” out loud to an empty room

❌ What Could Be Better:

• The $85 price tag had me eating ramen for a week
• It needs serious breathing time—I should’ve decanted an hour earlier
• Too fancy for everyday drinking (unless you’re way better at adulting than me)

Up Close with the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon

When I first poured this wine, I was struck by its deep ruby-purple color that caught the light beautifully. This isn’t just a pretty face though—the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon means business. The nose hit me with jammy blackberries and a whisper of vanilla that made me want to just keep sniffing (looking like a complete weirdo in my apartment). There’s also this cedar note that’s just subtle enough to make you feel like you’re somewhere fancy instead of sitting on your couch watching reality TV.

Taking my first sip, I realized why people get so pretentious about wine aromas and flavors. The palate is full-bodied but surprisingly balanced—dark plum, a hint of espresso, and just the right touch of spice. What impressed me most was how the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon manages to be complex without being complicated. You know, like that friend who’s really smart but doesn’t make you feel stupid.

The finish is where this wine really shines. Long, velvety, and free of any bitter aftertaste—it just gently fades away, leaving you reaching for another sip. After about 30 minutes in the glass, it really opened up, proving that patience is actually a virtue (who knew?). I definitely recommend using a proper decanting method to get the most out of this bottle.

What The Wine Crowd Is Saying

I’m not the only one with thoughts about the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon. After browsing through reviews on Wine.com, it seems this bottle has a fan club. Most reviewers call it a “special-occasion stunner” (confirming my decision to ghost that Zoom call was justified).

Interestingly, several people noted that it was young when it first released—but now in 2025, it seems to have hit its stride perfectly. One reviewer mentioned saving it for a fifth anniversary celebration, which makes me feel slightly better about demolishing mine on a random Tuesday for no reason other than “adulting is hard.”

The consensus seems to be that the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon delivers what it promises—a premium Napa experience that actually justifies its price tag. And while I’m normally skeptical of paying more than $30 for anything that I’ll consume in one sitting, I have to agree that this wine delivers genuine value for its price point.

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

While drinking the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon, I ordered a steak delivery (fancy night in, remember?), and the pairing was absolutely perfect. The wine’s structure stood up to the richness of the meat without overwhelming it. I’d imagine it would be equally fantastic with other classic red wine food pairings like lamb chops or a mushroom risotto if you’re not in a meat mood.

But let’s talk about when to actually open this bottle, because at $85, this isn’t your “survived Monday” wine. The 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon feels most appropriate for:

• That promotion you’ve been working toward for ages
• Anniversary celebrations (even if it’s just commemorating one year of not killing your houseplants)
• Impressing your wine snob friends (you know the ones)
• When you need to apologize for something major (like accidentally deleting your partner’s fantasy football lineup)

If you’re considering expanding your high-end wine collection, this bottle should definitely make the cut. It has the structure to continue aging beautifully for several more years, though it’s drinking wonderfully in 2025. For similar quality Napa Cabernets, you might also enjoy the Davies Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which offers a slightly different flavor profile but comparable quality.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Splurge?

Would I buy the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon again? For a special moment, absolutely. At $85 from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (sometimes you can find it for slightly less on Wine.com), this is a serious investment for most of us. But unlike that ridiculously expensive face cream I bought that did absolutely nothing, this wine delivers on its promises.

The 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s confident, balanced, and sophisticated—basically everything I aspire to be by the time I’m 40. If you appreciate Cabernet Sauvignon and want something special that shows off what Napa does best, this is your bottle.

Bottom line: In 2025, the 2021 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a benchmark for premium Napa Cabs without crossing into the ridiculous three-figure price range of some of its neighbors. It’s the wine equivalent of designer jeans—expensive, yes, but you’ll actually notice the difference. Just make sure to give it proper time to breathe, pair it with food worthy of its company, and savor every sip. You might find yourself ghosting plans too, but I promise you won’t regret it.

And if anyone asks why you splurged on an $85 bottle on a random weeknight—just tell them some wine blogger said it was justified research. You’re welcome.