Winemaker Notes
Crimson with a garnet core, the 2016 NVD Cabernet Sauvignon greets you with violets, ripe red cherry, lilac and graphite on the nose. The complexity resulting from the blend of beautiful Eastern mountain vineyards translates into bright ripe red fruits, cassis and pomegranate on the front palate, seamlessly moving to black raspberry, blueberry, orange peel, dark chocolate and rosemary exploding in the mid-palate. Eucalyptus, fresh herbs, mocha and black cherry round out the long satisfying finish. Very approachable now but will also lay down for years to come.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Brought up in 75% new barrels, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon NVD comes from sites throughout the valley and could be considered the entry-level wine of the estate. It’s a beautiful 2016 offering lots of crème de cassis, toasted spices, and hints of vanilla in a full-bodied, seamless, charming and impeccably balanced style. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years.
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James Suckling
A cabernet with a solid core of fruit, in a medium-bodied package with firm,polished tannins and a clan and fresh finish. Needs a year or two to soften, but already very attractive. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 NVD Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Calistoga, Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill and Soda Canyon. It is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. Very deep garnet-purple, it has quite a meaty nose with notions of charcuterie, cigar boxes and dusty soil with a core of plum preserves, warm cassis and fragrant earth plus a waft of sautéed herbs. Full, concentrated and richly fruited with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, it finishes long with loads of baking spices coming through. 1,040 cases produced, to be released in the summer of 2019.
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.