Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet is a mountain-fruit, dominant blend that shows the amazing texture and structure that is to be expected from 2016. This is all dark fruits and meats on the nose. On the palate, there is fantastic richness, mouth-coating tannins and sweet fruit.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of dark-berry, terracotta and tile aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins that are juicy and flavorful. Bright and fruity. Nice layers and savoriness. Balsamic. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The vineyards used in the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley are from Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain and Soda Canyon. Every vine is planted on a very steep hillside, so in many respects this is a pure hillside Cabernet. Deep garnet-purple, it's simply gorgeous on the nose with cassis, black cherries, blueberries and spice box with nuances of roses, violets and chocolate box. The palate is full-bodied, rich, spicy, plush and expressive, finishing very long.
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.