Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Knights Bridge Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon carries compelling aromas of blueberry, star anise, and cacao, along with subtle hints of sweet French oak and Asian spice. Bold, full-bodied and structured on the palate with flavors of dark chocolate, blueberry, cassis, and fig; the long, mouth-filling finish is chewy and rich with balanced acidity and silky tannins.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Opulent in toasted oak and dark cherry, this wine is well integrated, structured and lengthy, with elements of clove, dried herb and cedar adding nuance. An accent of sweet tobacco enters on the midpalate, as the wine develops further texture and depth.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep ruby-purple, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a classic nose of crème de cassis, cedar, leather, cigar box, pencil lead, cocoa and black cherries with notes of savory herbs, exotic spices and red cherries. Medium to full-bodied, it's plush and giving in the mouth, with grainy tannins and just enough juicy acidity, finishing long on a mineral note.
-
Connoisseurs' Guide
An intriguing mix of red fruits and black join with a slight loamy element in the aromas along with a touch of caramelized vanilla, and these elements repeat in the ripe, medium-density flavors that follow. Fairly supple in texture and using its moderate tannin for a bit of backbone, the wine holds on well into the finish and is sure to reward now and later.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.