Winemaker Notes
The 2016 blend is delicate and precise in detail, the bright red-purple hue an indicator of the depth and fresh fruit character. With distinct aromas of raspberry and cassis, the wine opens to reveal subtle layers of complexity. Intense, concentrated ripe fruit notes are offered, supported by a robust structure with integrated soft tannins. This vintage will continue to reveal itself over the course of many years.
Blend: 34% Cabernet Sauvignon; 33% Merlot; 33% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are aged 21 months in (50% new) French oak. From its ripe nose of wild strawberry and raspberry liqueur to its juicy flow of dark red fruit on the palate, this one makes a lasting impression. Mocha and fennel sidle up to high toned acidity and a Delicious apple note on the mid-palate. Great structure and a luscious mouthfeel.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Experience Trail 3150 Single Vineyard Red is a nicely defined, Napa Valley Cabernet Blend. TASTING NOTES: This wine is poised and stately on the palate. Enjoy its attractive and persistent aromas of black fruit, some tar, and a hint of pencil lead with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye. (Tasted: May 19, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Trail 3150 Red Wine Blend is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Malbec, and the rest Merlot and offers more freshness and purity, with darker, earthy notes of berry fruits, chocolate, and tobacco. These carry to a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, character-filled red to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
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James Suckling
Stewed plums, prunes, walnuts and mahogany on the nose. Some alcohol squeaks through. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Slightly hollow at the end, but nice enough. Drink now.
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Wine Enthusiast
Soft and roundly approachable, this tastes of baked plum, fig and sweet oak, the full-bodied weight integrating well within supple tannin structure and savory secondary character.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
As one of Napa’s coolest sub-appellations, the area begs for diversity among its vineyards. Merlot and Chardonnay firmly compete with Cabernet Sauvignon for a place here. Some of Napa’s best Zinfandels also come from the Oak Knoll District.
Situated far in Napa’s southern end, Oak Knoll receives a strong cooling influence from both the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast’s evening fog and breezes. Summer days are warm but on average ten degrees cooler than in St. Helena farther north up the valley; summer nights are chilly. A long growing season promotes for leisurely ripening of grape berries, resulting in an impressive balance of sugars, phenols and acidity.
Notable producers include Trefethen, one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, Robert Biale, legendary Zinfandel producer and Lewis Cellars, a family-run, hands-on establishment.