Winemaker Notes
The 2016 M5 has an inky violet hue and aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, cedar and Chinese five spice interlaced with notes of sage. Richly opulent with a lush entry and creamy texture, this full-bodied wine envelops the palate in luscious black plum, ripe black currants, clove and caramel with a sprinkle of white pepper on the luxurious finish. Pair with New York steak in sage butter or roasted rosemary garlic rack of lamb.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Very rich and ripe fruit in the blackcurrant and cherry spectrum with a wealth of deeply ripe, succulent and concentrated blackberry, boysenberry and plum-flavored fruit, framed in chocolate and spicy oak. Bold, juicy and ripe 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.