Winemaker Notes
This Cabernet Sauvignon truly expresses its Rutherford AVA sourcing with tremendous saturation of color, aromas and flavors. The nose is ripe with fresh dark blackberry, black cherry and cassis notes alongside nuances of floral violet and sweet oak spices. On the palate, there are darker fruit notes supported by hints of dark chocolate and anise seed. The structured “Rutherford dust” tannins are fine grained and more rustic in style for this vintage, showcasing the signature fine cocoa powder texture and expansive mouthfeel. Incredibly elegant and balanced, with vibrant acidity from the perfect growing season provides concentration, depth and freshness on the finish.
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 4% Touriga Nacional, 3% Malbec, 2% other complementary varietals
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Considering this is the biggest production wine from this producer, it’s really impressive. Redcurrants, blackcurrants, spearmint, aniseed, cedar, sage and pine needles. Very refined with fresh berries, interlaced between savory notes, the layers of tannins driven along by bright acidity.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 4% Touriga Nacional, 3% Malbec and 2% other complementary varietals, aged in French, American and European oak (30% new) for 15 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps boldly from the glass with boisterous crème de cassis, blueberry pie and baking spice scents with touches of chocolate box and potpourri. Full, rich and opulent, it has a plush texture and tons of forward, spicy fruit, finishing fruity.
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.