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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Tue, Apr 28, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2016 and 2016
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 12c |
2016 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
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2016 |
G3 Reserve Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
3 |
|
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|
| Accendo Cellars |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot and was bottled in August 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts out of the glass with exotic spice notes of star anise, fenugreek and cumin seed over a core of blackberry pie, wild blueberries and warm cassis with hints of kirsch, cigar box and mocha plus a waft of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with vibrant black, blue and red fruits plus tons of spicy sparks, framed by wonderfully ripe, fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
VM 97+ (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon feels like it hasn't developed much over the last year, and I see that as a positive. Silky, nuanced and still very vibrant, the 2016 is just as inspiring as it was when I tasted it last year. Fresh, floral and medium in body, with terrific depth, the 2016 is positively stellar. Bright floral and spice notes add freshness to this super-expressive, sublime Cabernet Sauvignon from Accendo. Antonio Galloni.
JS 97 (2/2019): This is very tight and precise with dark berries, dark chocolate, spice and hints of hazelnuts. Full body and a solid center palate. Lots of sage, rosemary, and lavender. Beautiful balance. Fine finish. Very approachable now, but better after 2022. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2016 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$299 |
1 |
|
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| JD 99 (8/2020): All Grenache, the 2016 Pandora is another stunning wine that will probably merit a triple-digit rating in 3 to 5 years. Its deep purple/plum color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, licorice, ground pepper, spring flowers, and smoked earth. Showing more spice with time in the glass, it delivers full-bodied richness and the magical sense of elegance paired with power that only Grenache can do. Give bottles a few years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2016 |
X Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Arietta |
2016 |
H Block Hudson Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
1 |
|
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JD 97 (1/2019): The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2016 Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards is also deeply colored and gives up a thrilling bouquet of cassis, blueberries, forest floor, crushed violets, and graphite. With full body, bright yet integrated acidity, thrilling purity of fruit, and a great finish, it's one seriously good Cabernet Franc to drink over the coming 15+ years. This cuvee is 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot aged in 68% new French oak.
WA 96+ (10/2018): Composed of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red H Block is deep purple-black in color and a little youthfully shy to begin, unfurling to reveal stunning blackberries, black raspberries, kirsch and cassis scents with touches of cigar box and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is relatively restrained with loads of savory layers superbly framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral tinged.
VM 95+ (12/2018): The 2016 H Block Hudson Vineyards, Arietta's Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, has really shut down post bottling. That is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. Beams of tannin give the wine energy and thrust. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral and spice notes, but above all else, the H Block is a potent, virile wine that needs time in bottle to be at its very best. This is an impressive showing to say the least. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| B Cellars |
2016 |
Calesa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$87 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Becklyn Cellars |
2016 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$105 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 92 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moulds Reserve is all Cabernet Sauvignon from a site in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. It’s a deeply colored Cabernet offering a sweet bouquet of blackberries, cassis, tobacco, and leafy herbs. These carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied, voluptuously styled and sweetly fruited, with outstanding purity and length. Made in a forward, sexy style, it's already impossible to resist, so I see no need to delay gratification. (Drink between 2019-2029).
WA 86 (10/2018): Deep purple-black, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moulds Reserve is a little closed to begin, opening out to youthful cassis and black cherry scents with touches of cigar box and fragrant soil. Full-bodied with mouth-filling black fruits, the frame is a little chewy and it finishes a little bitter. |
|
|
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
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| Belle Glos |
2016 |
Dairyman Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2016 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine checks in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, which is the smallest amount of Cabernet Franc to date. Brought up in new barrels, it has gorgeous blue fruits, violets, spring flowers, and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and just about as seamless and silky as it gets, this is a magical wine to drink over the coming 15 years or more. |
|
|
2016 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
8 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): Based on 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was brought up all in new French oak, which has been absorbed beautifully. With terrific intensity in its blue fruits and floral aromatics, this terrific 2016 is full-bodied, powerful, and layered, with ultra-fine tannins that emerge with time in the glass. It has the purity and elegance of the vintage front and center, yet backs it up with both texture and depth. In short, it’s another rock star wine from this estate. |
|
|
2016 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$375 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): Based on 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was brought up all in new French oak, which has been absorbed beautifully. With terrific intensity in its blue fruits and floral aromatics, this terrific 2016 is full-bodied, powerful, and layered, with ultra-fine tannins that emerge with time in the glass. It has the purity and elegance of the vintage front and center, yet backs it up with both texture and depth. In short, it’s another rock star wine from this estate. |
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2016 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
6 |
|
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JD 99 (1/2019): Flirting with perfection and up with the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro comes from a single block in the Tench Vineyard that always stands out. Similarly colored to the straight Tench release, it has slightly more freshness, structure, and purity, with thrilling notes of plums, purple fruits, crushed violets, and a liquid rock-like minerality. It got more than a few expletives in my notes and is sensational on the palate as well, with full body, ultra-fine tannins, and world-class purity of fruit. It’s another brilliant, brilliant wine from winemaker Russell Bevan. (Drink between 2019-2039.)
VM 98 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro emerges from Block 1B South, which lies next to Harbison. Not unsurprisingly, the Calixtro shares much with its neighbor, specifically a vertical sense of structure and a profile rich in mineral and savory overtones. Explosive and dense on the palate, the Calixtro hits all the right notes. Graphite, scorched earth, licorice, lavender, crème de cassis and spice fill out the wine's huge, massive frame. This is another rock star wine from Russell Bevan. (Drink between 2022-2036.) Antonio Galloni.
WA 98 (10/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro is deep garnet-purple colored and has a nose of cassis, violets, roses, tea and earth with touches of cast iron pan and camphor. The palate is medium to full-bodied and firm, with very fine-grained tannins, finishing fresh and long. 135 cases produced. |
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|
2016 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
10 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2019): Leading off the Cabernets and from a site in the Stags Leap AVA, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard offers a thrilling bouquet of blueberries and blackcurrants to go with complex white flowers, violets, and hints of chocolate. With no hard edges, full body, and beautiful fruit, this Cabernet shines for its incredible finesse and elegance yet certainly doesn’t lack for power. It’s a brilliant wine. (Drink between 2019-2039).
VM 96 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is a rich, exotic wine loaded with Stags Leap character. Black cherry, plum, new leather, spice and menthol all flesh out in this potent, dark wine. Dark red and purplish berry fruit and floral notes add brightness. Today, the Wildfoote comes across as quite closed following its bottling, but there is every reason to think it will blossom in a few years' time, as there is quite a bit of energy and persistence. (Drink between 2021-2031.) Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Blankiet |
2016 |
Prince of Hearts Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (1/2019): Lastly, the 2016 Prince of Hearts Red is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. It’s another seamless, elegant wine from the estate that has remarkable complexity in its sandalwood, spice box, chocolate, and cassis and blueberry-like fruits. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and ultra-fine tannins, it can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s another beautiful wine from this team that has both power and finesse. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2016 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (11/2018): The base 2016 Fracture is another flat-out awesome wine from Jenson that has everything you could want from a Syrah grown on limestone soils on the west side of Paso Robles. Made from 100% Syrah aged in 70% new French oak, it offers a huge nose of blackcurrants, toasty oak, espresso, smoke tobacco, and crushed flowers. Deep, massively concentrated, and textured, it still glides across the palate with thrilling purity of fruit and has a great, great finish. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
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2016 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
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| JD 93+ (11/2018): The last vintage of this cuvée as these grapes will be moved into the Oublie cuvée, the 2016 Fulldraw Vineyard offers serious Syrah notes (I don’t know the blend) in its chocolate, jammy blackberry, licorice, and crushed rock aromas and flavors. This is a big, rich, brooding red that packs serious amounts of fruit and texture without ever going over the top. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
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2016 |
Vertigo 22 Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
1 |
|
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| JD 98 (11/2018): The same blend as the straight Vertigo (52% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 18% Mourvèdre), the 2016 Vertigo 22 offers a similar profile of deep, decadent notes of blueberries, graphite, smoked earth, and asphalt. More closed, backward, and dense than the classic cuvée, this full-bodied, incredibly layered, multi-dimensional effort needs 2-3 years or bottle age and will cruise in cold cellars over the following 10-15 years. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. (Drink between 2018-2046). |
|
| Cardinale |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (1/2019): Just about as close to perfection as a wine can get, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Chris Carpenter comes mostly from mountain vineyards and is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. This full-bodied, rounded, thrillingly textured beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, barbecue smoke, and scorched earth. It has perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and oak, carries remarkable power and intensity, yet still glides over the palate with no heaviness or sensation of weight. It’s going to be a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and will have 3 decades or more of longevity. (Drink between 2019-2049) |
|
| Carte Blanche (Nicholas Allen) |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
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JD 97 (1/2019): A different beast, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is more backward and reticent, and while it needs 4-5 years of bottle age, is packed with potential. Both black and blue fruits, earth, tobacco, and freshly crushed rock notes all flow to a full-bodied 2016 that has plenty of fine tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and beautiful intensity and length. Do your best to give this some bottle age, and you’ll be rewarded with a phenomenal Napa Valley Cabernet that will keep for 2-3 decades. These Carte Blanche releases are made by superstar winemaker Helen Keplinger. (Drink between 2019-2039).
WA 95+ (10/2018): One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 months in 100% French oak, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon gives quite a meaty nose of chargrilled meats, charcuterie and beef drippings over a core of cassis, preserved plums and black cherries plus touches of cedar, unsmoked cigars and underbrush. Full, rich and seductive in the mouth, it has a soft, super ripe and finely grained texture with layer upon layer of black fruits, finishing long with a spicy kick.
VM 95 (12/2018): Inky black cherry, plum, chocolate, menthol and licorice are some of the many notes that run through Carte Blanche's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Plush and flamboyant, the 2016 retains terrific balance as well as persistence, with layers of flavor that continue to build in the glass. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Chapter 24 |
2016 |
The Last Chapter Pinot Noir |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (8/2018): Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Last Chapter is a bit reduced to begin, giving way to ripe black cherries and blackcurrant liqueur notes over a savory/meaty core, with tilled black earth, floral perfume and exotic spice hints. The palate explodes with ripe black fruits: black cherry, blackcurrant and baked plum with layers of smoked meat, perfume and spice, with firm, structuring tannins and tons of freshness lifting the amazingly long, savory, mouthwatering finish. Wow! Hide this away for 3-5 years before opening.
VM 94 (6/2019): Limpid ruby-red. Suave, mineral-accented aromas of raspberry and boysenberry preserves, potpourri, incense and mocha, along with a hint of allspice that builds in the background. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering intense red and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors supported by a spine of zesty acidity. Shows outstanding clarity and repeating florality on a strikingly long, penetrating finish that's framed by round, even tannins. (Drink between 2023-2032). Josh Raynolds. |
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| Dalla Valle |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$255 |
2 |
|
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| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
1 |
|
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| VM 94+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Pungent lift to the aromas of cassis, boysenberry, violet, wild herbs and licorice. Dense, intense and fine-grained, with an exciting balance of sweetness and acidity to the flavors of dark berries, licorice and cocoa powder. Boasts a serious tannic spine for extended aging. The berries were larger than normal in 2016, noted Gorski, but the production here was still just under three tons per acre. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2016 |
D2 Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
3 |
|
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VM 93 (12/2019): Bright red-ruby. Plum and redcurrant aromas complemented by cool Cabernet Sauvignon notes of tobacco leaf and herbs. Sappy, broad and palate-saturating , delivering lovely concentration and silky depth to its flavors of red berries, spices, sage and herbs. This very well-balanced blend conveys an impression of more even fruit ripeness--and virtually no overripeness--than the 2015 version. Lovely sweetness of fruit with good shape and structure from fine tannins. D2 began as a second wine, but winemaker Gorski now refers to it as a wine on purpose. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92+ (12/2019): The 2016 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 59% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The nose displays a lush and dense core with dusty currant, plum and black raspberry sprinkled with a rocky minerality. The wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with deep concentration and focused balance, delivering complexity through the mid-palate and ending with a long, concentrated finish.
JD 92 (4/2019): The 2016 D2 is mostly Merlot but includes 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It has a Bordeaux-like bouquet of tobacco, earth, lead pencil, and graphite, with plenty of ripe dark fruit. Rounded, medium to full-bodied, and textured, it’s a terrific second wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years. |
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2016 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
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JD 97 (4/2019): One of the gems in the lineup is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags. This thrilling, sensational Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful perfume of red currants, spice box, new leather, and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and thrillingly textured, it offers balance, remarkable purity, and a finish that won’t quit. While Red Mountain is known for producing powerful, structured wines, this is all about finesse and elegance. It will drink nicely for two decades. (Drink between 2019-2039).
WA 94 (12/2019): Named for the four famous vineyards on Red Mountain, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags immediately shows power and elegance on the nose, with a fresh core of fruit and minerality, showcasing rich and velvety oak tones. The wine is rich and complex on the medium to full-bodied palate that's overflowing and expressive, with good depth and breadth, balanced tannins and the lifting support of oak spices and energetic acidity. It lingers long, with a tannic edge that will settle down with time, making it ready for food now.
VM 92+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, licorice, black pepper and minerals on the nose. Densely packed, fine-grained and nicely concentrated but a bit youthfully unforthcoming today, showing limited sweetness and early appeal. I find this a bit peppery, if not lean, in the early going, with a distinct coolness in the style of some '16s. Finishes savory and persistent, with a smooth dusting of tannins and some peppery herbs in a varietal way. Lay this one down. (made from three clones) (Drink between 2022-2032). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2016 |
Metier Red Blend |
$20 |
1 |
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JD 92 (4/2019): The Southern Rhône blend is the 2016 Metier, which is 42% Grenache and 36% Mourvèdre, with the balance Cinsault. Violets, peppery spice, cedar, and sweet black raspberry fruits all emerge from the glass and it’s ripe, rounded, and medium to full-bodied on the palate. There’s some subtle background oak, but this is upfront and ready to go.
VM 92 (11/2018): Dark red with ruby highlights. Aromas of blackberry, licorice and tree bark, plus a spicy nuance. Combines compelling spicy intensity and serious thickness of texture, with its red berry and spice flavors showing virtually no greenness. Concentrated, broad, rich and long, finishing with substantial dusty tannins. Incidentally, the team did not make this wine with whole clusters. "We don't like stems, but we did include some in our 2016 Syrah," noted Gorski. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2016 |
Quintessence Vyd. Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
1 |
|
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WA 92+ (12/2019): The 2016 Quintessence Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon is 71% Malbec and the remaining portion Cabernet Sauvignon. Displaying a black and blue-fruited core on the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, black plum and blueberry compote waft from the glass with purple flowers and rich cinnamon spices from the elegant French oak. The wine is full-bodied on the palate and reveals a texture of melted dark chocolate, with oak spices meeting the fruit flavors as structured tannins add to the complexity. It concludes with a long, balanced and softly spicy finish.
VM 92+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Briary crushed blackberry, cassis and licorice along with a faint herbal aspect on the slightly wild nose. At once dense and juicy, with its intense purple berry and violet flavors conveying a strong impression of energy. Very pure but tightly wound, this seamless wine offers subtle sweetness and finishes very long, with late Malbec suggestions (or should I say Nebbiolo?) of tar and rose. (14% alcohol; half of the wine's Malbec component spent ten weeks on its skins) (Drink between 2021-2028). Stephen Tanzer.
JD 92 (4/2019): A great example of the variety (and I’m seeing more and more impressive Malbecs from the state), the 2016 Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Quintessence Vineyard from Red Mountain offers classic blue fruits in a young, jammy, primary style that fills the mouth with fruit. Inky colored, nicely balanced, with sweet tannins and some floral, violet characteristics, it’s going to benefit from a year in bottle and keep for 7-8. |
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| Diamond Creek |
2016 |
Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon |
$289 |
1 |
|
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| DuMol |
2016 |
Meteor Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (5/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Meteor Vineyard is a stunning wine endowed with tremendous vertical lift, explosive energy and pure power, all signatures of this highly regarded Coombsville site. Dark fruit, leather, smoke, tobacco, crushed rocks and incense all develop in the glass, but it is the wine's structural feel that stands out most. Simply put, the 2016 Meteor is unforgettable. (Drink between 2023-2036). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (6/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Meteor Vineyard comes from the cooler Coombsville region of Napa and spent 20 months in 60% new French oak. It has a Saint Julien-like purity and elegance in its cassis and currant fruit as well as complex notes of tobacco, earth, and violets. With medium to full body, terrific balance, and ultra-fine tannins, it’s a beautiful wine that’s going to evolve gracefully for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2019-2039).
WA 94 (7/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Meteor Vineyard is a lovely cool-climate Cabernet. It has aromas of fresh black currants, graphite, black currant bud, cedar and red berry sparks. The full-bodied palate is concentrated but restrained, with minerally, crunchy black fruits, fresh and finely grained, finishing long on an iron note. |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
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2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$233.75 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
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2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
3 |
|
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| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
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2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
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| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
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2016 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$480 |
1 |
|
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JD 98 (1/2019): Also thrilling, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild Sigaro comes from a site north of Lake Hennessey and is 100% clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20-22 months in 80% new French oak. Black currants, crushed rocks, graphite, and lead pencil notes all flow to a powerful, tight, backward Cabernet that has incredible minerality and depth. It’s in a much more austere, focused style compared to the Fairchild G-III release, but it’s unquestionably at the same level of quality. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 2+ decades.
WA 96+ (10/2018): From fruit on Pritchard Hill, aged for 20 months in 85% new 225-liter French oak barrels, the deep garnet-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro opens with somewhat shy notes of warm blackcurrants, dried mulberries and wild blueberries with hints of plum pudding, spice box, cardamom, wood smoke, black pepper and hoisin. Full-bodied and tightly wound in the mouth, the fruit vibrates with compelling energy and a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins with just enough freshness, finishing long and minerally. 640 cases produced.
VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro emerges from Fairchild's estate vineyard in Conn Valley. Racy and pliant, with tremendous intensity, the 2016 is impeccable in it balance. As with all of Larry Fairchild's wines, the Sigaro is quite big, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. The Sigaro offers striking aromatic complexity and layered fruit for such a big wine, with tannins that are both prominent and yet very well polished. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Stones No. 1 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
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2016 |
Stones No. 1 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$425 |
1 |
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2016 |
Stones No. 2 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
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2016 |
Stones No. 2 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
2 |
|
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| JD 97+ (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 2 offers more mountain fruit characteristics as well as plenty of tannins to go with a beautiful perfume of spring flowers, spice, earthy minerality, and both blue and black fruits. From a site on Pritchard Hill that spent 20 months in 80% new French oak, give this elegant, layered, full-bodied beauty a good 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 2+ decades. |
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2016 |
Stones No. 3 Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$586.95 |
1 |
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JD 100 (1/2019): This full-bodied, remarkably pure, seamless Napa Cabernet comes from the Tench Vineyard outside St. Helena and reveals a saturated purple color as well as sensational notes of blueberries, currants, camphor, scorched earth, and hints of lavender and violets. Deep, layered, still tight and backward, yet with incredible purity and focus, it’s a monumental beauty that’s going to benefit from at least 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 2-3 decades. Hats off to winemaker Philippe Melka and the team at Fairchild Wines for this incredible wine.
VM 97 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 3 is another superb wine from Larry Fairchild. Dense, powerful and explosive, with tremendous depth, the 2016 captures all the magic of this Oakville site. Black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, licorice, spice and menthol infuse this sumptuous, extravagantly rich Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet, ripe tannins add to the wine's considerable immediacy and sheer appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Favia |
2016 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
1 |
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JD 99 (1/2019): The gem in the 2016s is undeniably the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, which is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville Ranch vineyard located just above Dalla Valle. This monumental beauty boasts a deep inky color, a huge nose of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, lead pencil shavings, and obvious rocky minerality, full-bodied richness, and tannins and structure galore. It’s going to be a candidate for perfection in 5-7 years and will see its 30th birthday in fine form. It’s a brilliant, brilliant wine. (Drink between 2024-2049).
VM 97 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is another flat-out gorgeous wine from Favia that is just as compelling today as it was last year. Rich and resonant on the palate, with super-expressive inner perfume and impeccable balance, the 2016 simply has it all. Red cherry jam, mint, dried flowers, espresso and raspberry preserves infuse this vibrant, silky Cabernet Sauvignon. (Drink between 2021-2036). Antonio Galloni.
WA 97 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville comes from Oakville Ranch, perched just below Ovid on Pritchard hill and above Dalla Valle. Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a very deep purple-black color and comes charging out of the glass with vivacious blackberries, blueberry compote and cassis scents with hints of violets, oolong tea, cigar box and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, the power of this wine comes purely from intensity, with rock-solid, wonderfully ripe tannins and fantastic freshness to support and lift the very long, perfumed finish. |
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| Ferdinand Wines |
2016 |
Tempranillo |
$20 |
1 |
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| Folded Hills |
2016 |
Ballard Canyon Syrah |
$35 |
3 |
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| JD 92 (10/2018): The 2016 Syrah Ballard Canyon comes all from the Stolpman Vineyard in Ballard Canyon and was brought up in 25% new French oak. It's deep ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by a lively bouquet of black raspberries, spring flowers, California bay leaf, and white pepper. Like everything here, it's seamless and elegant, with a borderline mid-weight style, yet is about as drinkable as it gets. |
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| Force Majeure |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
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JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048).
VM 93 (11/2018): Saturated bright ruby! Pungent, primary, essence-of-Cabernet aromas of cassis, black cherry, graphite, licorice pastille, tobacco leaf, mint and herbs, lifted by a violet topnote. Wonderful dense, thick, saline and sweet, showing a very ripe, chewy, slightly chocolatey character that reminded me of a Napa Valley cult Cabernet. (I should note that winemaker Todd Alexander previously spent four years as winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard.) But this wonderfully savory wine may well have more energy than its Napa equivalents. Finishes very long, with huge, thick, totally ripe, palate-saturating tannins but no hard edges. Shows an almost caramelly Pomerol-like creaminess in the mouth, with its green qualities receding into the background. This wine lacks only the refinement for an even higher score. This appears to have been little affected by its recent bottling in August but I wonder if it will shut down in bottle over the coming year or so. (Drink between 2019-2025). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93+ (12/2019): Opening with a fresh core of black fruit and minerality on the nose, the 2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wafts with blackberry, crème de cassis and dusty purple flowers. Full-bodied in the mouth, the wine is strict and rigid, with a lingering spice through the mid-palate. It continues to show a mineral tension with dusty black fruit, spiced plum and nuanced oak flavors on the long, thoughtful finish. 450 cases were produced, and this wine will age especially well. |
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2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
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| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048) |
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2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$150 |
1 |
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| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048) |
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| George Wine Company |
2016 |
Leras Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
12 |
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| Girasole |
2016 |
Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon |
$13.99 |
4 |
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| Greer |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$449 |
1 |
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| Groth |
2016 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
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| VM 88 (1/2020): Groth's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) is soft, pretty and understated. A sweet floral and spice character gives this gracious, mid-weight Oakville Cabernet lovely aromatic top notes. The 2016 is an attractive wine, but is also a bit light, even within this more restrained style favored by Groth. (Drink between 2019-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Hartford Court |
2016 |
Warrior Princess Block Zena Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
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JD 97 (6/2019): Coming from the Eola-Amity Hills region of Oregon, the 2016 Pinot Noir Warrior Princess is world class all the way, and I’d put this up against any Pinot Noir out there. Medium ruby-colored with a beautiful perfume of black cherries, blackberries, violets, wood smoke, and earth, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, incredible balance, subtle background oak, and a great, great finish. This is a complete, beautiful Pinot Noir that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade. Unfortunately, there are only 352 cases produced. (Drink between 2021-2031).
WA 93 (2/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir Warrior Princess comes from several blocks in the Zena Crown vineyard, aged for 16 months in 29% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with bold black cherries, black raspberries and blueberry scents with hints of spice cake, red roses and red licorice plus a touch of underbrush. Full, rich and packed with perfumed black fruits, it has a plush texture and refreshing lift on the finish. |
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| Hendry |
2016 |
Block 28 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
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| Hors Categorie Vineyards |
2016 |
Walla Walla Valley Syrah |
$325 |
2 |
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JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Syrah is from an up and coming terroir located on the north fork of the Walla Walla River, in Oregon, and comes from two steep hillside slopes on broken basalt soils. Not destemmed and brought up in all neutral demi-muids, it has a Côte Brune-like style in its smoked red and black fruits, crushed violets, cold fireplace, bloody meats, and ground pepper aromas and flavors. Concentrated, medium-bodied to full-bodied, incredibly layered, and pure, it has an ultra-classic, mineral-laced Syrah style that's just magical to behold. Give bottles 2-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 10-15. The Hors Categorie Syrah comes from the up and coming North Fork region of the Walla Walla AVA, in Oregon, which was discovered in 2003 by Christophe Baron. The site for this cuvee was purchased by Baron in 2004, planted in 2011, and his first release was in 2014. (Drink between 2021-2036).
VM 96 (12/2019): Good medium red. Tight but already incredibly complex nose offers classic northern Rhône (Hermitage?) scents of dark raspberry, licorice, black pepper and brown spices. Robust and densely packed but also savory, smooth and magically light on its feet, with its flavors of crushed blueberry and blackberry, spices and saline minerality conveying remarkable urgency for a wine with a pH of 4.1. Finishes with serious but harmonious tannins and outstanding palate-staining length and lift. This remarkable site, as wild and Old World in appearance as any in Washington, is worked with a winch owing to its steepness and produces barely 1.5 tons per acre of fruit in a good year. Christophe Baron, who vinifies all of his wines with wild yeasts, does a cool fermentation (never higher than 85 degrees F.) and ages this wine in a combination of mostly demi-muids, the youngest of which was third use, and some barriques. A knockout. (from a mostly south-facing slope in a bucolic valley in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, planted in 2011 at an altitude between 1,350 and 1,450 feet and at a slope reaching as steep as 60 degrees) (Drink between 2023-2035). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94+ (4/2025): Matured for 18 months in used French demi-muids, the 2016 Syrah has intense aromas of cassis, powdered sugar, mint chocolate, grilled peppers and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is very youthful with floral fruit and iron-like mineral tones. It’s structured by silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a very long, latent finish. |
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| Horsepower Vineyards |
2016 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$109 |
3 |
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| JD 97+ (4/2019): The 2016 Syrah The Tribe is largely in the same mold with a gamy, meaty, backward profile. Smoked meats, earthy dark fruits, ground pepper, and wood smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years. |
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| Jonata Winery |
2016 |
Fenix Merlot Bin-Soiled Label |
$89 |
1 |
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JD 97+ (10/2018): Incorporating a big chunk of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), the Merlot-dominated 2016 Fenix offers a saturated purple color as well as a powerful, full-bodied, decadent style in its blackcurrants, black cherries, chocolate, lead pencil, and leafy herb aromas and flavors. With a stacked mid-palate, thrilling purity, and an expansive, layered, heavenly profile, it's one of the finest Merlots coming out of California. It will flirt with perfection at maturity. (Drink between 2020-2040).
VM 95 (9/2018): Jonata's Merlot-based 2016 Fenix is bright, focused and taut, all qualities that lend energy to a core of raspberry jam, chocolate, spice and floral notes. Somewhat shy today, the 2016 needs a few years in bottle to blossom. I especially like the wine's energy and restrained yet powerful style. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (9/2019): A blend of 58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot aged in 70% new French oak, the 2016 Fenix has a deep ruby color and nose of warm red and black cherry, chocolate, dried green herbs, cedar, graphite, blackberry pie, plum and dried flowers—dense but classic. Medium to full-bodied, it floods the mouth with luscious dark fruits, firmly framed by grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and chocolaty. Delicious! |
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| Justin |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$29 |
2 |
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2016 |
Savant Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
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| Robert Keenan |
2016 |
40th Anniversary Reserve Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
5 |
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| VM 96 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is dense, powerful and incredibly inviting. The 2016 brings together dense, unctuous fruit and terrific freshness. A classically built medium-bodied wine of the style that are seldom found in Napa Valley today. Hints of sage, lavender, espresso and menthol add aromatic intrigue, but it is the wine's balance and sense of proportion that I find most alluring today. This is a fabulous showing from Robert Keenan. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Larkmead Vineyards |
2016 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
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JD 95+ (1/2019): Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo gets the nod as the most tannic and structured, with a brutally austere style that’s just begging for bottle age. Notes of lavender, iron, camphor, graphite, and bloody blue fruits all emerge from the glass. Possessing a Bordeaux-like purity and structure, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a firm, tight, backward vibe, this is a beautiful wine, but only for those with patience. I wouldn’t think about opening bottle until at least 2026, and I suspect it will keep for 40-50 years. (Drink between 2026-2066).
WA 95 (12/2018): Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (Black Label) is deep garnet-purple in color, offering exuberant notions of crushed black and red currants, warm plums and wild blueberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, violets, black tea and pencil lead plus a waft of menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers wonderfully expressive cassis and red berry preserves layers with loads of floral and savory accents, framed by firm grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo retains much of the youthful intensity and raw power it showed as a barrel sample. Savory herbs, gravel, game, wild cherry, leather, spice, menthol and dried flowers give the 2016 its distinctive aromatic signatures. Despite its mid-weight feel, the 2016 carries quite a bit of tannin and more than enough structure to age gracefully for many years to come. (Drink between 2022-2041). Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
2 |
|
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| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 LMV Salon is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and espresso open up in a very pretty, aromatically expressive wine. Cabernet Franc takes the leading role in the LMV Salon in 2016, and that comes through very nicely here. Bright, vibrant and full of character, the 2016 hits all the right notes. What a gorgeous wine it is. |
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2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$275 |
1 |
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| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 LMV Salon is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and espresso open up in a very pretty, aromatically expressive wine. Cabernet Franc takes the leading role in the LMV Salon in 2016, and that comes through very nicely here. Bright, vibrant and full of character, the 2016 hits all the right notes. What a gorgeous wine it is. |
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|
2016 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$209 |
3 |
|
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|
| Cliff Lede |
2016 |
Songbook Cabernet Sauvignon |
$210 |
1 |
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| VM 95+ (12/2018): Cliff Lede's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is imposing and massively tannic, but also super-intriguing. Today, the Songbook doesn’t have the inner sweetness, perfume or seductiveness of the other wines in the range, but that should come once the tannins start to soften. The 2016 finishes with substantial depth and energy. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. Songbook is a blend of fruit from several David Abreu sites: Cabernet Sauvignon from Madrona Ranch and Thorevilos, Merlot and Petit Verdot from Thorevilos, and Cabernet Franc from Madrona Ranch. |
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| Levy & McClellan |
2016 |
LTD |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2016 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
4 |
|
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| JD 94 (1/2019): Starting with the larger production (but we're only talking 700 cases), the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon comes all from the estate and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20 months in 70% new French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. This sensational effort's purity and balance is something to behold, offering a smorgasbord of creme de cassis, blueberries, tobacco leaf, lavender, damp forest floor, and spring flower-like nuances that develop beautifully with time in the glass. Full-bodied, multi-dimensional, concentrated yet weightless, it's a stunning Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that does everything right. Drink it any time over the coming 15+ years. |
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|
2016 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
4 |
|
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| JD 97 (1/2019): There are just over 450 cases of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard, another majestic, heavenly example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate. A selection from the estate vineyard that's all Cabernet aged 20 months in 90% new French oak (it's also bottled unfined and unfiltered), it offers a more pure, focused style than the straight Cabernet Sauvignon (as well as compared to the more over-the-top 2015) yet doesn't lose anything on the opulence and sheer decadence scale. Its incredibly pure bouquet of blueberries, black currants, lead pencil shavings, violets, and damp earth notes all remind me of a great vintage of Ducru-Beaucaillou. Full-bodied, ethereally textured, concentrated, classic and yet just pure deliciousness, this brilliant wine will continue drinking well for two decades. |
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| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Cuvee L Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
5 |
|
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| Lindstrom |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$119 |
1 |
|
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JD 96 (1/2019): Made by the incredibly talented Celia Welch, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a rocky site located just above Odette, in the Stags Leap District. It’s an ethereal, elegant expression of Cabernet Sauvignon and boasts a vivid purple color as well as medium to full-bodied notes of crème de cassis, dried flowers, cedarwood, and spice. With integrated acidity, fine yet present tannins, and nothing out of place, it should evolve beautifully for two decades or more. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040.
VM 95 (12/2018): Lindstrom's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is superb. Rich, explosive and dense, yet also light on its feet, the 2016 captures all the best qualities of this rugged Stags Leap site. Inky red and purplish berry fruit, lavender, spice, and mint are all woven together in an utterly exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon. Like so many wines in this vintage, the Lindstrom Cabernet is driven by a palpable sense of energy. (Drink between 2022-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (10/2018): Very deep purple-black colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District sings of fragrant earth, truffles and wood smoke notions with a core of preserved plums, black cherry compote and peppered salami with a waft of potpourri. Firm, grainy and packed with tightly wound, muscular black fruit, it has stacks of earthy layers and a very long mineral-tinged finish. |
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| Littorai |
2016 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$125 |
1 |
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| VM 97 (7/2025): The 2016 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is elegant and silky in the glass. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and kirsch dance across the palate. Exotic spice notes emerge with a bit of time in the glass. Beguiling and expressive, the 2016 remains quite young. It's a wine that needed a ton of time to show its true potential. Yorkville series soils over sandstone, unusual for Anderson Valley, yield such distinctive wines, especially in the tannin profile. Superb. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Lumen |
2016 |
Presqu’ile Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
6 |
|
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| Matthews |
2016 |
Colombia Valley Reserve Claret |
$55 |
12 |
|
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| JD 93 (4/2019): The flagship 2016 Claret Reserve is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 26 months in 65% new French oak. Its saturated purple color gives way to a medium to full-bodied, pure, incredibly classy wine that has textbook cassis, blueberry, charcoal, and spring flower aromas and flavors. With some background oak, terrific balance, and a pure, balanced style, it's another seamless 2016 that does everything right. |
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| Mayacamas |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
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| VM 99 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as monumental as it was from barrel last year. Rich, deep and powerful, the 2016 is endowed with tremendous fruit concentration and all of the structure to back it up. Wild, savory and super-expressive from the very first taste, the 2016 is utterly magnificent. Wild cherry, grilled herbs, new leather, licorice and mocha infuse the 2016 with tremendous brooding power. The 2016 represents a striking, contemporary expression. All the Mayacamas signatures are there, but with just an extra kick of finesse that makes the 2016 a Cabernet of total allure. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Maybach |
2016 |
Irmgard Pinot Noir |
$67.15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2016 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$65 |
6 |
|
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WA 94 (4/2024): The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate opens with a broad, perfumed and classic nose of dehydrated strawberry, Earl Grey tea, dried herbs and rose petal aromas. The palate is dark and voluptuous, with robust fruit flavors framed by tangy acidity and fine-grained, drying tannins. This fragrant, herbal and savory vintage is a favorite from the modern era at Mount Eden, and I look forward to watching it over the next decade or more.
VM 93+ (12/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir is especially delicate and perfumed, with lovely red berry, tobacco, cedar and dried flower notes laced throughout. Medium in body, with bright acids, the 2016 is likely to enjoy a long life in the cellar. Yields were down sharply, the result of bad weather in bloom and vines that were exhausted after several years of intense drought conditions. In some ways. the 2016 reminds me of the 2014. The similarities will be even greater if the 2016 gains a bit more volume in aging. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Mount Veeder |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
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| My Favorite Neighbor |
2016 |
Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (10/2018): The 2016 My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 11% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black colored, it reveals intense cassis, ripe plums and wild blueberries with touches of licorice, tilled soil and black pepper with a waft of floral notions. Full, rich, chocolaty and oh-so-seductive, it fills the mouth with generous crushed black berries flavors framed by rounded tannins and finishing long and spicy. |
|
| Myriad |
2016 |
Steltzner Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (7/2018): Coming all from the Martini clone and raised in 100% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Steltzner Vineyard is a rich, powerful expression of Stags Leap that offers full-bodied notes of blackcurrants, espresso roast, black licorice, and just a hint of flowers. This concentrated, yet incredibly pure, Cabernet has a great mid-palate, sweet tannins, and some obvious oak to integrate. It's an extraordinary wine yet is still primordial and in need of a good 3-4 years of bottle age. 98 cases. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend |
$289 |
7 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$519 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Numero Dois Touriga Nacional |
$255 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (10/2019): Even better than the 2015, which might have been the greatest expression of Touriga Nacional I’d ever tasted, the 2016 Touriga Nacional Numero Dois Cumulus Vineyard boasts a knockout bouquet of ripe black fruits, charcoal, bouquet garni, and ground pepper. Rich, full-bodied, layered, and straight-up sexy on the palate, don’t miss a chance to try this singular wine. The blend is 83% Touriga Nacional, 9% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, and 3% Petite Sirah that was roughly 50% destemmed and spent 33 months in one-third new French oak.
VM 98 (9/2019): The 2016 Número Dois is full of mystery and sheer allure. Mocha, wild cherry, mint, iron and a touch of new oak infuse this opulent red with tremendous nuance. Soft curves and rich, voluptuous fruit add to the wine’s considerable personality. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s intense aromatics and overall nuance. The 2016 is flat out gorgeous. That’s all there is to it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Opus One |
2016 |
Proprietary Blend |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Opus One offers up bold, expressive black and blue fruits: warm black plums, black cherries, blackcurrants and wild blueberries with a beautiful undercurrent of lilacs, roses, fertile loam, underbrush and Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is a tightly coiled spring ready to explode, with fantastic tension and wonderfully ripe, very fine-grained tannins, finishing very long with a mineral lift.
JD 97+ (1/2020): The 2016 Opus One is brilliant and shows yet again that 2016 was a magical vintage for Napa Valley. Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with 8% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot, with 5% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec, its deep purple hue is followed by a beautiful bouquet of black cherries, crème de cassis, and blueberry fruit intermixed with notions of cedary spice, toasty oak, graphite, and flowers. With an almost Bordeaux-like class and structure, this full-bodied beauty has no hard edges, plenty of ripe tannins, and is extraordinarily pure, elegant, and long. It can be drunk today (give it a healthy decant) or cellared for 2-3 decades.
VM 96+ (1/2020): The 2016 Opus One is a wine of real breadth and power. Black cherry, plum, leather and spice flesh out effortlessly, but what stands out most is the wine's textural intensity and sheer power. Readers will have to wait a number of years until the 2016 is at its best, but it is clearly another in a line of gorgeous recent Opus Ones from Michael Silacci and his team. Antonio Galloni.
JS 99 (2/2019): antastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together. |
|
| Outpost |
2016 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$349 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 100 (7/2019): Coming from the nine-acre True Vineyard up on Howell Mountain and produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard strides confidently out of the glass with incredible poise and pedigree: warm cassis, blackcurrant cordial, baker’s chocolate, licorice and truffles commingled with hints of underbrush, violets, woodsmoke and stewed plums plus a waft of fragrant earth. Full-bodied, concentrated and built like a brick house, it has wonderfully firm, ripe, grainy tannins with a fantastic line of seamless freshness and a powerful, multilayered expression of place coming through on the epically long finish. A decadent beauty right now, this is going to be even more mind-blowing in 15 to 20+ years, and it should go on for 40 or more.
JD 99 (1/2019): Another heavenly wine from this estate is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard, 100% varietal from three blocks in the vineyard that was aged in 80% new French oak. Possessing truly thrilling purity in its crème de cassis and blueberry fruits, white flowers, and obvious minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and building yet fine, polished tannins. This beauty has real Howell Mountain character, a complex, nuanced, yet powerful style, and a finish that won’t quit. Get it if you can. (Drink between 2019-2044).
VM 96 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is one of the most complete wines I have ever tasted from Outpost. Medium in body almost shockingly refined for a young Howell Mountain Cabernet, the True Vineyard has so much to offer. In the glass, the True presents a stunning combination of intense plush fruit and vertical structure. I imagine the 2016 will be even better in a few years' time, but it is super-impressive and inviting even in the early going. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ovid |
2016 |
Experiment M2.6 |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Napa Valley Syrah |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (12/2018): The 2016 Syrah is a striking wine. Deep, pliant and super-expressive, the 2016 possesses tremendous fruit purity and exceptional balance. Today, the Syrah is quite primary, with only hints of varietal aromatics, but those should develop over time. Here, too, there is a purity and vibrancy to the fruit that is positively striking. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Passing Time |
2016 |
Horse Heaven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, hitting 14.8% natural alcohol, that comes mostly from the Discovery and Champoux vineyards, with the Merlot coming from Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. Its deep purple color is followed by a textbook Cabernet Sauvignon nose of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, pencil lead, damp earth and spice-driven aromas. Developing beautifully with time in the glass, it’s full-bodied, incredibly pure, balanced, and multi-dimensional on the palate, with sweet tannins and an awesome finish. As with all these wines from Chris, it's seamless, silky, and beautifully balanced, and a fabulous wine. It needs 5-7 years of bottle age to hit prime time and is going to evolve gracefully over the following 2-3 decades. Tasted three times. Trust me on this one, it’s a magical wine. (Drink between 2024-2044).
VM 94 (11/2018): Bright medium ruby. Black cherry and menthol aromas are sweetened by a very rich suggestion of chocolate. Mouthfilling and edge-free, with its remarkably sexy dark berry and violet flavors accented by mint and menthol. Conveys a strong impression of ripe fruit further sweetened by the 80% new oak. Finishes with strong but well-distributed tannins and building flavors of black fruits and violet. With its breadth, dimension and refinement of texture, this wine is quite distinctive in the Passing Time line-up--in fact, it makes the Red Mountain Cabernet seem a bit inky by comparison. While it's already exciting to taste today, it has the stuffing to age. (Drink between 2021-2028). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (12/2019): A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon has a clean and focused core of black fruit surrounded by dusty floral tones and sweet tobacco. Coming from the Champoux and Discovery vineyards, the wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate and has excellent mineral tension that gives way to building tannins. It ends with good focus on the long, contemplative finish that whispers with a quiet strength. |
|
| Le Pich (Purlieu) |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Pich features very pretty notes of crushed blueberries, blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of violets and cedar chest plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, packed with vibrant black fruits and plushly textured, this buxom beauty is ready for biz, finishing satisfyingly long and spicy.
VM 90 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Pich is a gorgeous, entry-level wine from Purlieu. Sumptuous and racy, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Black cherry, chocolate, new leather and cloves are amped up in this powerful, flamboyant affordable Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next handful of years. (Drink between 2019-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2016 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2020): Starting with the two 2016s and another tremendous wine from this estate, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes 67% from Napa Valley and 33% from Sonoma County. Based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, it's ruby/purple hue is followed by a classic Pride Cabernet offering notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil, espresso, camphor, new saddle leather, and spicy oak. Beautifully concentrated, full-bodied, and with ripe tannins, it has nothing out of place, offers a multi-dimensional, layered texture, and builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance. It shows the more nuanced, classical style of the 2016 vintage and will cruise in cool cellars for two decades. |
|
| Purlieu |
2016 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon George III Vineyard exudes an achingly graceful, complex perfume of oolong tea, rose hips, lilacs, fallen leaves and tilled loam with a core of blackcurrant cordial, kirsch, redcurrant jelly and warm plums with wafts of aniseed and incense. Full-bodied, with a solid backbone of super ripe, velvety tannins and oodles of freshness backing up the rich, highly focused and oh-so-stunning red and black fruit layers, it finishes long, lifted and perfumed. |
|
|
2016 |
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Missouri Hopper is a little youthfully mute to begin, slowly revealing evocative crème de cassis, blueberry pie, chocolate box and black tea notes with nuances of forest floor, wild sage and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruits and earthy layers, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing with epic persistence.
VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer-Missouri Hopper captures the best of Julien Fayard's style and this site, one of the best in Oakville. Savory herb, leather, smoke, licorice and tobacco add layers of perfume to this dark, hulking Cabernet Sauvignon. Powerful and structured, the 2016 needs time in bottle, but it is impressive, as all these 2016s are. Time in the glass brings out the purity of fruit, which is the signature of this great Napa Valley vintage. (Drink between 2021-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (10/2018): The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard leaps wantonly from the glass like a rock star doing a stage dive, displaying bold layers of crushed black and red cherries, cassis and wild blueberries scents plus suggestions of cinnamon stick, star anise, sandalwood, oolong tea and potpourri with faint wafts of candied violets and molten chocolate. Full-bodied, concentrated and hedonistically perfumed in the mouth, it possesses a myriad of black fruits with a firm, velvety texture and very long, very spicy finish. |
|
|
2016 |
Teucer Vyd. Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Teucer Vineyard struts flamboyant notions of chocolate-covered cherries, black raspberries, kirsch and plum preserves with an undercurrent of blackcurrants, cedar chest, wilted roses and mossy bark plus a touch of espresso. Full-bodied, super concentrated yet perfectly balanced with a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, the palate reveals layer upon layer of black fruit and savory flavors, finishing with epic length and depth and imparting an overall satisfying sense that defies descriptors. Just magic. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2016 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (4/2019): The 2016 Palengat is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 11% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, and it’s one of the smaller production cuvees. It’s a rich, full-bodied effort and has wonderful purity in its crème de cassis, graphite, and ample pencil lead like nuances, with an almost Pauillac vibe. With fine, sweet tannins, a great mid-palate, and considerable elegance and finesse matched up to classic Quilceda power and richness, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years. (Drink between 2019-2034) |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2016 |
Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 97 (7/2018): A world-class red, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is the most opulent, broad, and expansive offering, yet also elegant and weightless. Offering awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and graphite, it has a Château Margaux-like elegance, full body, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades or more. This cuvée is all clone 337 and was raised in new oak, with just 225 cases produced.
WA 96+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is deep garnet-purple colored with crushed blackberries, black cherries and cassis with hints of mocha, tree bark, earth and tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied and elegant with great intensity and loads of layers, framed by firm, ripe tannins and finishing long. (Drink between 2020-2048).
VM 91+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard offers serious density and power. There is plenty of richness and volume, but the new oak is a bit prominent today. My impression is that the oak will integrate over time, as the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity. The ripe red cherry and plum jam flavors are amped up to the core. This is an especially flamboyant wine from Las Piedras, a site that tends to yield brooding, tannic Cabernets. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2016 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga) is driving and intense, with savory, earthy notes that give the wine its distinctive personality. This powerful Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon possesses tremendous depth and muscle, both signatures of Larkmead, one of the top vineyard sites in Calistoga, and Napa Valley, for that matter. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Herb Lamb Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (12/2018): Time has been kind to the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb, a wine that is positively stellar today. Dark and explosive, with tremendous energy, the 2016 has so much to offer. Beams of tannin give the 2016 a backbone of energy and structure that will allow it to develop nicely in bottle for many years to come. Thomas Brown and his team crafted a striking wine that captures the essence of one of the most singular sites in Napa Valley. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is sensational. Dark, powerful and explosive, the 2016 expresses all the best this rugged hillside site has to offer. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, smoke and dark spice explode from the glass. In most vintages, the Lore is massively tannic, but the 2016 has tremendous purity of fruit and exceptional balance. It is one of the best – maybe the best – Rivers-Marie Cabernet I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$213 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is sensational. Dark, powerful and explosive, the 2016 expresses all the best this rugged hillside site has to offer. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, smoke and dark spice explode from the glass. In most vintages, the Lore is massively tannic, but the 2016 has tremendous purity of fruit and exceptional balance. It is one of the best – maybe the best – Rivers-Marie Cabernet I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard has turned out beautifully. There is a sense of energy to the red cherry and plum fruit that gives this wine a natural measure of pure excitement. Red cherry jam, raspberry preserves, mint, spice and pomegranate meld together in a racy, sensual Cabernet that captures all the best vintage has to offer. Two thousand sixteen is a terrific vintage for the Panek. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudd |
2016 |
Leslie’s Blend Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$589 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2019): This is the first vintage of this label, named after the recently departed Leslie Rudd, who particularly loved this vineyard. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec and aged for 22 months in French oak, 38% new, the 2016 Leslie’s Blend Mt. Veeder Estate displays a deep garnet-purple color. WOW - it has a fantastically profound nose of black currant cordial, plum preserves and mulberries with hints of mocha, aniseed, dried bay leaves, tilled soil and oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with loads of black fruit and savory layers, featuring a rock-solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Still very youthful, give it another couple of years in bottle and drink it over the next 40 years+.
VM 93 (1/2020): The 2016 Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie's Blend is powerful and dense, with tons of concentration and sheer richness. Gravel, smoke, spice, black fruit, chocolate and leather all develop nicely. In the end, though, the 2016 is dominated by heavy torrefaction notes from the oak, which masks some of the Veeder character. Now that the Edge Hill wines are under the Rudd label, my hope is that this bottling can be refined a bit. There is clearly so much potential here. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudius |
2016 |
Kaley Elizabeth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2020): Coming from the Tierra Roja vineyard in Oakville and also spending 27 months in oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth (there’s 4% Cabernet Franc) offers a meaty, exotic bouquet of bloody blueberry fruits, gamey meats, iodine, blood orange, and violets. With full-bodied richness and depth, it’s flawlessly balanced, has fine tannins, and a seamless, sexy texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. In short, it’s another magical wine from winemaker Jeff Ames! Drink bottles over the coming 20-25 years or more. (Drink between 2020-2045).
VM 96 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth, from Tierra Roja, Oakville, is a sumptuous, exotic wine. A dollop (7%) of Cabernet Franc adds a striking perfume that gives this wine notable aromatic depth to match its exotic, alluring personality. Chocolate, espresso, licorice, dried herbs, menthol all flesh out in this flamboyant, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon from Rudius. Silky tannins and plush fruit give the 2016 tons of immediacy and appeal, even at this early stage. This is such a gorgeous wine. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (9/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth, blended with about 6% Cabernet Franc, has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with pronounced blackcurrant pastilles, baked blackberries and plum preserves notes with hints of sautéed herbs, damp soil, underbrush, espresso and licorice. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers loads of savory and baked black fruit layers with plenty of herbal sparks and a chewy frame, finishing long and savory. |
|
| Sandlands |
2016 |
Trousseau |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (4/2018): The 2016 Trousseau is gorgeous. Lifted, perfumed and savory, the 2016 is exquisitely beautiful today. Rose petal, mint, white pepper, cranberry and blood orange give the 2016 entrancing nuance and character. The 100% whole clusters are not especially evident. What comes through is a wine of impeccable balance and total class. I loved it. (Drink between 2018-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Seaver Vineyards |
2016 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon |
$318.50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (3/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon GTS leaps from the glass with vivacious black cherries, wild blueberries and cassis notes plus touches of lavender, wild thyme, cedar chest and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with energetic black and red berry layers framed by ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed. |
|
| Sequoia Grove |
2016 |
Cambium Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Seven and Eight |
2016 |
Spring Mtn. District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as fabulous as it was from barrel. Silky, perfumed and super-finessed, the 2016 is easily the best Cabernet I have tasted here. Winemaker Martha McClellan has really backed off of the extractions here, and it shows in a Cabernet with striking purity of fruit, silky tannins and no excess heaviness from oak. This sumptuous, inviting Cabernet will drink beautifully right out of the gate. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2016 |
Ratsel Syrah Cracked Wax Capsule; Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (8/2018): Produced entirely from estate fruit, the 2016 Syrah Rätsel 16 offers up a brooding bouquet of smoky blackberries, French roast, cassis liqueur and subtle grilled meat, with only hints of all the savory complexity it will show down the line. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and chewy, with a rich chassis of velvety structuring tannins, a deep, super concentrated core of fruit and a long, sapid finish. Like the Grenache Dirt Vernacular, it's quite expressive and giving in profile by comparison with the firmer, more structural 2015s from Sine Qua Non, but its more brooding profile makes me suspect it has more potential upside with some time in bottle. It's a blend of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, 2.5% Grenache and 4.5% Viognier that was fermented with 47% whole cluster. 1791 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
JD 96-99 (10/2018): A not yet bottled blend of 81% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah, and the rest Viognier and Grenache, fermented with 47% whole clusters, the 2016 Syrah Rätsel 16 is an inky colored beauty that has another level of depth and richness over the 2015. Black raspberries, cassis, white pepper, white chocolate, and hints of bacon fat give way to a full-bodied, seamless, elegant wine that has terrific freshness and purity, ultra-fine tannin, and a huge finish. Not too dissimilar from the 2014s, which have the same supple, sexy, and approachable style, it should drink reasonably well right out of the gate and cruise for 15-20 years in cool cellars.
VM 95-97 (9/2018): The 2016 Syrah No Name Yet is another wine that shows just how fabulous the 2016 vintage is. Powerful, dense and resonant, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete wine. Hints of smoke, tobacco and grilled herbs are woven throughout a core of inky dark fruit, but it is the wine's total sense of balance and harmony that I keep coming back to. The 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own, but it is a stunningly beautiful wine. Dollops of Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Viognier round out the blend. The 2016 was done with 47% whole clusters and will see about 47% new French, but none of that really matters when sitting in front of this gorgeous and moving Syrah from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Skipstone |
2016 |
Faultline Vyd. Red Wine |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Small Vines |
2016 |
Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir |
$30 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (4/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée includes about one-third whole cluster fruit and aged for 14 months in 26% new French oak. It has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and nose of crushed black cherry, charcuterie and warm black plum with nuances of cinnamon stick and warm spice plus a stony character—delightfully broody. Light to medium-bodied with a good core of warm spiced fruits in the mouth, it has a fine frame of grainy tannins and great freshness to lift the long finish.
VM 90 (5/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée is beautifully lifted, with striking perfume and impeccable balance to match its ethereal, weightless feel. Crushed leaves, mint, cedar and red berry fruit add layers of complexity to this attractive, inviting Pinot from Small Vines. (Drink between 2019-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2016 |
Reuling Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2018): Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard has a wonderfully fragrant nose of violets, red roses and black cherries with touches of warm red plums, blueberries and mulberries plus a waft of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs in the black and blue fruit layers with a plush texture and plenty of vivacity to the finish. |
|
|
2016 |
Riddle Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Riddle Vineyard features a beautiful perfume of rose hips, allspice and lavender over a core of crushed cranberries, red currants and pomegranate plus a touch of mossy bark. The medium to full-bodied is packed with spice laced red fruit preserves, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long. |
|
|
2016 |
Ridgetop Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Ridgetop Vineyard offers up notions of black cherries, black raspberries and violets with touches of chocolate box, aniseed, underbrush and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black berries and earthy layers, framed by plush tannins and great freshness, finishing long and perfumed. |
|
|
2016 |
Rodgers Creek Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Walala Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Walala Vineyard sings of crushed red and black cherries, red plums and mulberries with suggestions of red roses, dark chocolate, licorice and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the red and black berry layers fill the mouth, structured with finely grained tannins and great freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
|
2016 |
Walala Vyd. Pinot Noir Wine-Stained Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Walala Vineyard sings of crushed red and black cherries, red plums and mulberries with suggestions of red roses, dark chocolate, licorice and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the red and black berry layers fill the mouth, structured with finely grained tannins and great freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
| Somnium Cellars |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2016 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$130 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2016 |
Chase Creek Stag’s Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Fay Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93-96 (10/2018): A barrel sample blended of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard is deep purple-black in color and begins just a tad broody, giving way to earth-laced blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, charcuterie and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with energetic black fruits and savory layers, framed by firm, ripe tannins and background freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
|
|
2016 |
SLV Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$399 |
1 |
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| VM 93 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. captures all the darkness and mineral-infused intensity that is so typical of this historic vineyard. Black cherry, lavender, plum, violet, spice and menthol all fill out the wine's creamy yet mid-weight frame. Deep and plush, but never heavy, the 2016 has a lot to recommend it. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Philip Togni |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
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VM 95+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is stunningly beautiful and seductive in its red fruit, mint and tobacco. This is a surprisingly accessible vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Today it looks like an excellent choice for readers who want to explore the wines of this iconic producer – as long as it doesn’t close down in bottle. Togni’s 2009 is notable for its exceptional elegance, finesse and pedigree. There is plenty of Spring Mountain structure, but today the 2009 is disarmingly sexy and radiant for such a young wine. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 92+ (5/2012): Good medium red. Wild aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, meat, mocha and cedar, with a whiff of pepper (another sample that had been open for 72 hours took on a somewhat darker fruit character). A very smooth and suave midweight, with ripe acidity giving definition and energy to the mid-palate. Not a particularly fleshy style of 2009 but wonderfully balanced wine, with a firmness from the addition of the press wine. The long finish features big but supple tannins. This wine may well merit a higher rating with six or seven years of bottle aging.
WA 88-90 (12/2010): The newest vintage is the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, which is a more delicate, lighter-styled effort very much in keeping with the character of this year. A healthy dark ruby color perhaps lacks some of the opacity and density of past great vintages, but the wine shows dusty, earthy, blue and black fruit aromas, medium body, good freshness and elegance as well as the aforementioned lighter style. This cuvee will be drinkable upon release and should age for 10+ years. |
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2016 |
Tanbark Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
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| Turnbull |
2016 |
Fortuna Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
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| WA 95 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna Vineyard is a little youthfully mute, slowly unfurling to reveal fresh black cherries, blackcurrants and wild blueberries with wafts of underbrush, new leather, cinnamon stick and cloves plus a touch of mossy bark. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully elegant and sophisticated in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with great poise. |
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2016 |
Fortuna Vyd. Merlot |
$75 |
3 |
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| WA 90 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Merlot Fortuna Vineyard opens with a slightly tarry/rubbery notes, giving way to notions of warm plums, blackberry preserves and spice cake with a waft of mocha. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives plenty of juicy black fruits and a chewy frame, finishing on an earthy note. |
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| Tusk Estates |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$750 |
1 |
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| Vine Hill Ranch |
2016 |
VHR Cabernet Sauvignon |
$319 |
1 |
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VM 100 (12/2018): Vine Hill Ranch's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is flat-out epic. Look for the 2016 VHR to be one of the benchmark wines of this great Napa Valley vintage. A year ago, the 2016 was powerful and dramatic. Today, the 2016 is super-polished and regal in bearing. Vertical and deep, with tremendous complexity, the 2016 has so much to offer. A rush of black cherry, plum, menthol, licorice, sage, dark spice and earthy notes build as this statuesque Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its magnificent pedigree. The 2016 is a monumental, towering wine. That's all there is to it. Antonio Galloni.
JD 98 (3/2019): Sporting a saturated purple color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon VHR is a total blockbuster that spent 21 months in French oak. It knocks it out of the park with its Pauillac-like bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, damp earth, lead pencil shavings, and cedarwood. Hitting the palate with a massive texture and full body, it’s a powerful, full throttle effort that has remarkable balance, ripe tannins, and an opulent, sexy texture that’s a joy to drink. Despite its flamboyant style, it’s perfectly balanced and is a sensational wine. Feel free to drink it any time over the coming 20-25 years. Bravo! |
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| Andrew Will |
2016 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
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JD 97 (4/2019): One of the finest examples of this cuvée I’ve tasted is the 2016 Champoux Vineyard, which comes from one of the top terroirs in the state and is in the slightly cooler Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The blend in 2016 is 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc, all aged 18 months in just 25% new French oak. Young, full-bodied, and primordial, it has incredible potential but is going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. Thrilling notes of blueberries, cassis, lead pencil shavings, and bouquet garni all define the bouquet and it has remarkable purity and elegance. It picks up more floral and high-toned notes with time in the glass and is a brilliant bottle of wine that will keep for 2-3 decades. Readers looking for classic, age-worthy Bordeaux blends that will stand up with the best out there need to give the wines of Andrew Will a serious look. These are classic, balanced wines that deserve more attention in the market. (Drink between 2019-2044).
WA 94+ (12/2019): A blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Champoux Vineyard opens with a rich and ripe expression of dark, dusty fruit interlaced with supporting oak tones on the nose. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, dark cherry, black plum and cassis flood the palate with a structured focus and mineral tension. The fruit structure becomes a touch grippy across the mid-palate, showing firm tannins and representing a style that plays the middle ground between the Ciel du Cheval and Two Blondes bottlings in the same range. The wine ends with a long, complex finish—worth your time and money.
VM 92+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate on the nose; displaying more oak today than the Ciel du Cheval. Densely packed and still rather tight, showing a higher pitch than the Ciel du Cheval blend, with less early pliancy and sweetness but more penetration to its flavors of dark berries and black cherry accented by licorice and bitter chocolate. A bit more powerful on the firm, long, resounding finish but less nuanced today than the Ciel. This may need more time for its firm dusty tannins to soften. Like the Ciel, this is a Merlot-heavy wine with real shape and structure. (15.1% alcohol) (Drink between 2022-2030). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2016 |
Sorella Champoux Vyd. |
$85 |
2 |
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JD 99 (4/2019): Flirting with perfection, the 2016 Sorella checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% each of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot. Coming all from the Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, its saturated purple color is followed by a La Mission Haut Brion-like bouquet of black and blue fruits, gravelly, minerality, smoke tobacco, and chocolate. Deep, multi-dimensional, full-bodied, and with beautiful complexity, it’s a magical wine as well as the finest wine from this estate to date. Bravo! Readers looking for classic, age-worthy Bordeaux blends that will stand up with the best out there need to give the wines of Andrew Will a serious look. These are classic, balanced wines that deserve more attention in the market. (Drink between 2022-2047).
WA 96+ (12/2019): The 2016 Sorella is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. The plump, juicy nose exudes aromas of luxurious, elegant fruit characteristics of ripe blackberry and dark plum along with a layered core of oak and a structured floral bouquet. Exciting and thought-provoking on the full-bodied palate, fruit and oak spices radiate with the precision and focus of world-class wine, building to a plushier, fruit-forward expression on the mid-palate yet showing a mineral focus. The finish is long and winding, with layers that continue to evolve in the mouth, unfolding to a generous and intricate lingering expression. Only 472 cases were made, and it will be your lucky day if you can add some of this stellar wine to your cellar. Bravo!
VM 91+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Brooding scents of blackberry, blueberry, licorice, menthol and graphite. Dense but sharply delineated and penetrating, with black and blue fruit flavors conveying terrific energy and juiciness that mask the wine's thickness. Still, this can't quite match the more Merlot-based Champoux Vineyard blend for density. This wine boasts serious Cabernet Sauvignon structure, finishing with lovely mounting violet lift and length. Firmly tannic but not hard. This, too, should evolve slowly but even today it's balanced and enjoyable. I suppose it's a bit more tannic and less pliant than the Andrew Will '16s that contain more Merlot, but none of these wines lack for definition or spine. (15.2% alcohol; just 30% new oak; Will Camarda noted that the winery is cutting back on use of new barrels) (Drink between 2021-2029). Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Williams Selyem |
2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$120 |
4 |
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| WA 93 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple in color and gives up notions of warm plums and baked raspberries with wild blueberries, tilled soil and dark chocolate hints plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied and generously fruited, it fills the palate with juicy black berry flavors supported by plush tannins and finishing with an herbal lift. 290 cases produced. |
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