Winemaker Notes
This Cabernet has distinct flavors of blackberry, blueberry, plus both red and black currants with enticing fragrances of mocha and nutmeg. Subtle notes of chocolate and toasty vanilla add to the richness and length of this bold Cab, and are accompanied by fine grained tannins on a lengthy finish.
Vegan
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A selection of top lots from Knights Valley, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve offers more dark fruits and cassis notes as well as hints of graphite and scorched earth. It’s a step up over the Vintner’s Reserve, is medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, and outstanding length. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve is blended of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 21 months in 27% new French and 1% new American oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with compelling cassis, black cherries and warm plums scents with hints of bay leaves, Marmite toast and black olives. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives mouth-filling black currant and plums flavors with a firm, grainy frame and loads of herbal sparks on the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a thick, chewy and full-bodied red that will appeal to a wide range of palates and budgets. Bright underlying red fruit enlivens the firm tannic structure and integrated oak, finishing soft and smooth on the palate. Editors’ Choice.
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.