Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Encosta launches with an intense nose of black cherries, Framboise liqueur, and cherry blossoms. The aromatics continue to elevate with fragrant notes of strawberry preserves, violet crumble, orange zest and forest floor. Persistent and exuberant, the silky texture glides across the palate while the mouth-watering acidity builds and carries the brightness and elegance through the lengthy, flourishing finish. Remarkably integrated, the tannins are in attendance without being assertive. Reflective of the vineyard and resplendent growing season, this is a highly finessed wine that will continue to reveal itself with age.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Encosta is the entry-level release from the estate and it’s a year in, year out outstanding wine that’s loaded with character. Notes of cassis, toasted spices, spring flowers, and lead pencil shavings all flow to a medium to full-bodied, deep, layered, opulent 2016 that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 10-15 years. The blend of the 2016 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all aged 20 months in 66% new French oak.
-
Wine Spectator
There's lots to like here, from the steeped black currant and blackberry fruit flavors to the notes of licorice snap and bramble, all framed by singed alder accents. Displays ample juicy energy through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030.
-
James Suckling
Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with some lavender follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of 76 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 20 per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot. Drink in 2020.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 76.08% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20.1% Cabernet Franc and 3.82% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 66% new oak, the 2016 Gandona Vineyards Encosta Cabernet Sauvignon is very deep garnet-black in color and scented of warm plums, crushed black cherries and black berries with touches of pencil lead, cedar chest, menthol and fragrant earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with wonderful freshness and great intensity of red and black fruits in the mouth, with a grainy frame and minty lift to finish.
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.