Moone-Tsai Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
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Robert
Parker
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A classic example of what Coombsville’s cool weather and volcanic soils engender: deep, ripe black fruit with smooth tannins and tantalizing notes of spice.
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Decanter
Moone Tsai is known for its commitment to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, focussing on site-specific bottlings and delivering consistency and elegance. In this 2016 Napa Valley release, legendary winemaker Philippe Melka has crafted a muscular and compelling wine utilising the Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville as a core - which brings energy and mineral notes due to its volcanic soils - combined with St Helena and Howell Mountain fruit for roundness. The result is a complex and expressive wine screaming with red rose and violet aromas, delivering flavours of freshly roasted espresso with blue and red fruits, and a generous tannic structure.
Drinking Window 2019 - 2030
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot, aged in 40% new French oak for 19 months, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is sporting tons of flamboyant cassis, warm plums and blueberry preserves notes with hints of mocha, lavender, menthol and iodine. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm, grainy and lively with a great intensity of black and blue fruits, finishing with a menthol lift.
Rating: 93+
Other Vintages
2018-
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Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Connoisseurs'
Guide
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
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Robert
Parker
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James
Suckling
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.