Winemaker Notes
Reflecting the outstanding vintage, the captivating nose of this wine shows dark and brooding aromas of cassis,plum and blackberry, touched by exotic notes of lavender, anise, pencil lead and leather. On the palate, rich flavorsof ripe black fruits are wrapped around a firm structure of fine-grained tannins, minerality and beautiful freshnessthat carry on into the long, satisfying finish. Per winemakers Françoise Peschon and Nigel Kinsman: “The consistency ofan exceptional vintage is expressed in the purity, length and fineness of this wine – it is deep and powerful, yet perfectly integrated, seamlessfrom approach to finish, full of plush flavor from ripe fruit, ending with silky tannins and graphite that linger on the palate.”
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot and was bottled in August 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts out of the glass with exotic spice notes of star anise, fenugreek and cumin seed over a core of blackberry pie, wild blueberries and warm cassis with hints of kirsch, cigar box and mocha plus a waft of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with vibrant black, blue and red fruits plus tons of spicy sparks, framed by wonderfully ripe, fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
-
Decanter
After selling the Araujo estate along with the Eisele Vineyard to François Pinault of Château Latour in 2013, Bart and Daphne Araujo founded Accendo (Latin for kindle, illuminate, inflame) in the heart of the valley. Their longtime winemakers Françoise Peschon and Nigel Kinsman moved with them. The 2016 soars with savory flavors and wonderful minerality. A relatively high percentage of Cabernet Franc for this estate gives the wine exquisite baritone richness. Already it’s a wine of finesse, without a shred of heaviness.
-
Jeb Dunnuck
From a purchased bottle, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon showed brilliantly, with a deep purple/plum color as well as an awesome nose of ripe blackcurrants, black cherries, roasted herbs, iron, and leafy herbs. It's rich and powerful, with full-bodied weight and opulence, but it has that classic 2016 feel, with present tannins, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. This stunning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed any time over the coming 2+ decades.
-
James Suckling
This is very tight and precise with dark berries, dark chocolate, spice and hints of hazelnuts. Full body and a solid center palate. Lots of sage, rosemary, and lavender. Beautiful balance. Fine finish. Very approachable now, but better after 2022.
-
Wine Spectator
Richly layered, with ripe and caressing cassis, plum preserves, boysenberry reduction and açaí berry fruit flavors. There's a chocolate backdrop and alluring toast notes throughout, with a subtle graphite edge on the very fine-grained finish to keep this red honest. A beautiful display of fruit and very Oakville in style. Drink now through 2035.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.