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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 11:02 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2016 and 2016
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Alpha Omega |
2016 |
X Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| B Cellars |
2016 |
Calesa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$87 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2016 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend  |
$159 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
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 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$349 |
2 |
|
| |
| 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 |
7 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): From a steep hillside in Oakville, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard offers a more savory, masculine, layered style as well as a huge nose of red and black fruits, dried herbs, chocolate, and earth. It hits the palate with a full-bodied, mouthfilling style that carries plenty of tannins, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and a great finish. I like it today, yet it’s going to continue drinking brilliantly for two decades. |
|
|
2016 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
6 |
|
| |
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 |
Vixen Block Wildfoote Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
9 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| Carte Blanche (Nicholas Allen) |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| Carter Cellars |
2016 |
Weitz Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$143.65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2018): Very deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Weitz Vineyard opens with notions of baked blackcurrants, preserved plums, blackberry compote and licorice plus touches of tar, chargrill, pan fried herbs and iron ore. Full-bodied and laden with taut, muscular fruit, it has a solid line of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
| Colgin |
2016 |
Cariad Proprietary Blend |
$395 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2018): The 2016 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has wonderful purity of black fruits—preserved plums, blackcurrants and black raspberries—with nuances of iron ore, crushed rocks, fertile loam, cedar chest and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, concentrated, muscular and built like a brick house, it has very firm, grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, finishing incredibly long and mineral. This should be very, very long lived.
VM 100 (12/2018): The highlight in this range today, the 2016 Cariad is utterly magnificent. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot give the wine soaring aromatic intensity and striking savoriness to play off the racy, forward fruit. Time in barrel has done wonders to meld all the elements together. Today, the Cariad is dense, explosive and super-expressive. And yet my sense is that the 2016 still has quite a bit of room to grow. Even at this early stage, the 2016 is a total stunner. The symbiosis of David Abreu fruit and Allision Tauziet's winemaking makes for an electric, unforgettable 2016. Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni.
JD 98+ (1/2019): Coming from the Madrona Ranch and a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cariad is a more powerful, concentrated, burly effort that has a massive amount of black and blue fruits, charcoal, savory herbs, and graphite-like aromas and flavors. This beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, loads of tannins, a deep, stacked mid-palate, and a huge finish. Where the Tychson Hill is power married to elegance, this beauty is more power and structure. It needs at least a decade of cellaring. |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$255 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Donelan |
2016 |
Cushing’s Block Barbed Oak Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2019): In a completely different style compared to the Tripp's Block Pinot Noir, the 2016 Pinot Noir Cushing's Block comes from the Barbed Oak Vineyard in Bennett Valley and is a mix of Calera, Swan, and Pommard clones. It offers a ripe, exotic bouquet of plums, macerated black cherries, blood orange, sage, and spices. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and ripe, it nevertheless stays pure and beautifully balanced, with considerable elegance. It benefits from a decant and, like Tripp's Block, it will keep for over a decade. (Drink between 2019-2029).
VM 94 (5/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir Cushing's Block emerges from Barbed Oak Vineyard in Bennett Valley and is the deepest of the three Donelan Pinots. Pliant and inviting, with lovely top notes, the 2016 is super-expressive today, not to mention a real beauty. All the best elements of the Donelan house style are deftly balanced in this impeccable, absolutely delicious wine. (Drink between 2020-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$233.75 |
5 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
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. |
|
|
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$480 |
1 |
|
| |
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 |
$208.25 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 1 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$425 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 2 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 2 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
2 |
|
| |
| 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 |
2 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| Ferdinand Wines |
2016 |
Tempranillo |
$20 |
1 |
|
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| Folded Hills |
2016 |
Ballard Canyon Syrah |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Force Majeure |
2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
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).
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.
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. |
|
|
2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
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).
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.
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. |
|
| Girasole |
2016 |
Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon |
$13.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$205 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$449 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hall Winery |
2016 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hendry |
2016 |
Block 28 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hors Categorie Vineyards |
2016 |
Walla Walla Valley Syrah |
$325 |
2 |
|
| |
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 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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 |
|
| |
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! |
|
| Justin |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$29 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Savant Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2016 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
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. |
|
|
2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$209 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Cliff Lede |
2016 |
Songbook Cabernet Sauvignon |
$210 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Levy & McClellan |
2016 |
LTD |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Cuvee L Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Lindstrom |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| Martinelli |
2016 |
Blue Slide Ridge Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (4/2018): The medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge gives a totally seductive spice cake, incense and rose water-laced nose over a core of Black Forest cake, crushed black cherries and mulberries with a waft of dusty soil and truffles. The full-bodied palate is fabulously decadent, with black fruits available in Rubenesque proportions and a wonderfully velvety texture, finishing very long and very layered.
VM 94 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge packs a serious punch. Dark, powerful and intense, with beams of persistent tannins underneath, the Blue Slide Ridge speaks with a commanding voice. This is a decidedly broad, ample Pinot with good depth, but also a bit of chunkiness that hopefully will soften over time. It will be interesting to see if the 2016 acquires a bit more energy with more time in bottle. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Maybach |
2016 |
Irmgard Pinot Noir |
$67.15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$335 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium is a step up and offers a truly incredible bouquet of crème de cassis and blackcurrant fruits intermixed with complex forest floor, chocolate, smoked herbs, and spring flowers. It’s elegant and complex yet also full-bodied, powerful, and opulent, with a seamless texture that needs to be tasted to be believed. It gains layers and depth with time in the glass and has incredible tannin quality, good freshness, and a blockbuster finish, all making for an insanely good Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 2 decades or more. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$519 |
3 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| 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 |
$165.75 |
5 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Peacock Family |
2016 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Perfect Season |
2016 |
Bidwell Creek Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2016 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend Very Lightly Scuffed Label; Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2019): Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.
JS 98 (3/2019): Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. This needs three to five years more in bottle age. Exciting wine. Try after 2022.
JD 97 (1/2020): Is the 2016 Insignia the next 1997? Coming mostly from the Stags Leap region, with the rest from the Home Ranch, this deep purple-colored beauty offers a magical bouquet of crème de cassis, fruitcake, forest floor, tobacco leaf, and toasted spices. It shows even more complexity with time in the glass and is a full-bodied, powerful, ageworthy example of this cuvee that’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25+ years or more.
VM 97 (1/2020): The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage, Insignia is especially silky, refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class. Antonio Galloni.
WS 95 (10/2019): This is laden with flavors of dark currant, blackberry and black cherry preserves, infused gently with alder, incense and black tea notes, all carried by a long swath of fine-grained tannins. Hints of warm stone and tobacco gild the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 13,500 cases made. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2016 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
Reserve Claret |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2020): There are just over 500 cases of the 2016 Reserve Claret, a more Merlot-dominated blend that includes 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. It's similarly hued to the Reserve Cabernet and has a terrific perfume of blackcurrants, black cherries, ground herbs, and black tea as well as a whiff of dark chocolate and new saddle leather. This beauty offers a stunning array of full-bodied richness and depth, building yet ripe tannins, notable purity, and a sense of power without heaviness. It is a fabulously complex Bordeaux blend from Napa/Sonoma that will continue drinking beautifully for another 20 years. (Drink between 2020-2040).
WA 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 Claret Reserve is made up of 68% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in roughly 50% new oak, with 54% of the fruit from Napa County and 46% from Sonoma County. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly builds on the nose from a foundation of warm cassis, red and black plums, mulberries and fresh blackberries into fragrant potpourri, oolong tea, bouquet garni and forest floor notes with wafts of tapenade and truffles. Full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with bold, expressive black fruits and earthy nuances, framed by firm, ripe, rounded tannins and finishing with great length and depth.
VM 92 (1/2020): The 2016 Claret Reserve is plush, rich and enveloping. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and rose petal all flesh out in this supple, racy Merlot-based cuvée. Like the straight Merlot, this is a relatively soft and open-knit wine; I would like to see more depth and structure here. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Realm |
2016 |
Moonracer Proprietary Blend |
$245.65 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (1/2019): The third vintage from this estate vineyard in Stag’s Leap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot (which is close to the breakdown of the vineyard). It offers a beautiful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed rocks. While it doesn’t have the density of the To Kolan and Dr. Crane releases, it is seamless, full-bodied, incredibly complex, and multi-dimensional. Already impossible to resist, drink this pure, elegant beauty any time over the coming 20-25 years. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
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. |
|
| Rudd |
2016 |
Leslie’s Blend Proprietary Blend |
$289 |
3 |
|
| |
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2016 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$53 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2020): A gorgeous entry-level offering, the 2016 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) captures all the natural exuberance of the Russian River. Black cherry, cola, spice, lavender, licorice and cloves are all amped up in this boisterous, juicy Pinot. Here, too, the presence of slightly mature notes makes the 2016 so rewarding to drink now. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Schrader |
2016 |
MMXVI "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,375 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky is very deep purple-black in color with a wonderfully pure nose of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and black cherry pie with nuances of dried bay leaves, dusty soil, garrigue and new leather plus touches of unsmoked cigars and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, concentrated and jam-packed with flavors, the palate is pure hedonism with a solid line of ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing very long. |
|
| 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 |
Dirt Vernacular Grenache Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (10/2018): One of the finest Grenaches to ever pass my lips is the 2016 Grenache Dirt Vernacular and it’s 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvèdre, 7% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Petite Sirah. Reminding me of an old vine Grenache cuvee from the Maurel brothers in Châteauneuf du Pape, it boasts a huge nose of black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, graphite, ground herbs, and pepper. This is one of those wines that offers incredible intensity and depth, yet still just glides over the palate with no sense of heaviness whatsoever. Full-bodied, rich, layered, and pure, it’s a riveting example of Grenache that could come from nowhere else. Drink it any time over the coming 15+ years.
WA 96 (8/2018): The 2016 Grenache Dirt Vernacular wafts from the glass with heady aromas of kirsch, plums and Griotte cherries that mingle with nuances of sweet spice, rose petals and pepper. It saw 34% new oak (along with 53% used oak and 9% concrete), but it's hardly noticeable—much less so than in some of Sine Qua Non's debut Grenache bottlings. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and chewy, with tangy acids despite its considerable power and ripeness, with a deep, layered mid-palate and a long, lusty finish. It's an eclectic blend of 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvèdre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 2.5% Petite Sirah that was fermented with 43% whole cluster—whole cluster being largely reserved for the Grenache component. The blend is dominated by estate fruit, but some 9% came from the Krankl's blocks at Bien Nacido Vineyard that are farmed to their specifications. 1,208 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 95-98 (9/2018): The 2016 Grenache No Name Yet is fabulous. Rich and voluptuous in the glass, with immense fruit intensity, the 2016 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. The 43% whole clusters (mostly from the Grenache) are nearly buried by the vibrancy of the red and purplish berry fruit. Sweet, perfumed notes round out a super-expressive wine that hints at the superb potential of the 2016 vintage. The blend is 78% Grenache, 11.5% Mourvedre, 7% Touriga Nacional and 3.55 Petite Sirah. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
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. |
|
| 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 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Walala Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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 |
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| |
| 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. |
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| Somnium Cellars |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2016 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$130 |
1 |
|
| |
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2016 |
Napa Valley Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2016 |
Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
WA 92 (10/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Deep purple-black in color, it opens with notions of crushed black cherries, warm blackberries and mulberries with hints of unsmoked cigars, fragrant soil and wild sage plus a waft of allspice. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with expressive black berry and earthy layers with a frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.
JD 93 (1/2019): The only red presented, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis checks in as 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec, all aged in 30% new French and 4% new American oak. Ripe blackberries, black cherries, spice, and a beautiful floral quality all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort. With some creamy oak, sweet tannins, and good purity, it’s a pleasure-bent red to drink over the coming 10-15 years. |
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| The Third Twin (Sine Qua Non) |
2016 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$285 |
1 |
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WA 99+ (6/2019): “I had never really liked Mourvedre,” Manfred mentioned during our tasting. “But the more I worked with it, the more I liked it. There is some synchronicity that takes place when you blend it.” Apart from being a Mourvedre-dominant blend, the other unusual thing about this wine is that this is only the second wine to be 100% from The Third Twin Vineyard—a vineyard in Los Alamos purchased by Manfred and Elaine in 2000. Not to be confused with some new Central Coast plantings of what turned out to be Graciano, Manfred explained that this is Mourvedre Clone “S,” sourced from John Alban.
JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar.
VM 95 (9/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Señora del Tercer Gemelo, from Sine Qua Non’s The Third Twin vineyard in Los Alamos, is dense, plush and packed to the core. Leather, smoke, licorice, mocha, chocolate, grilled herbs, menthol and tobacco give the 2016 a decidedly savory edge to play off the sumptuous fruit. Full-bodied and unapologetically rich, the 2016 shows the more potent side of these wines to great effect. This flamboyant red is long on richness and intensity. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$285 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (6/2019): “I had never really liked Mourvedre,” Manfred mentioned during our tasting. “But the more I worked with it, the more I liked it. There is some synchronicity that takes place when you blend it.” Apart from being a Mourvedre-dominant blend, the other unusual thing about this wine is that this is only the second wine to be 100% from The Third Twin Vineyard—a vineyard in Los Alamos purchased by Manfred and Elaine in 2000. Not to be confused with some new Central Coast plantings of what turned out to be Graciano, Manfred explained that this is Mourvedre Clone “S,” sourced from John Alban.
JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar.
VM 95 (9/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Señora del Tercer Gemelo, from Sine Qua Non’s The Third Twin vineyard in Los Alamos, is dense, plush and packed to the core. Leather, smoke, licorice, mocha, chocolate, grilled herbs, menthol and tobacco give the 2016 a decidedly savory edge to play off the sumptuous fruit. Full-bodied and unapologetically rich, the 2016 shows the more potent side of these wines to great effect. This flamboyant red is long on richness and intensity. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo Scuffed Label |
$285 |
1 |
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WA 99+ (6/2019): “I had never really liked Mourvedre,” Manfred mentioned during our tasting. “But the more I worked with it, the more I liked it. There is some synchronicity that takes place when you blend it.” Apart from being a Mourvedre-dominant blend, the other unusual thing about this wine is that this is only the second wine to be 100% from The Third Twin Vineyard—a vineyard in Los Alamos purchased by Manfred and Elaine in 2000. Not to be confused with some new Central Coast plantings of what turned out to be Graciano, Manfred explained that this is Mourvedre Clone “S,” sourced from John Alban.
JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar.
VM 95 (9/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Señora del Tercer Gemelo, from Sine Qua Non’s The Third Twin vineyard in Los Alamos, is dense, plush and packed to the core. Leather, smoke, licorice, mocha, chocolate, grilled herbs, menthol and tobacco give the 2016 a decidedly savory edge to play off the sumptuous fruit. Full-bodied and unapologetically rich, the 2016 shows the more potent side of these wines to great effect. This flamboyant red is long on richness and intensity. Antonio Galloni. |
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| The Vineyardist |
2016 |
Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
3 |
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JD 99+ (1/2019): In the same mold as the 2015, yet with even more minerality and purity, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is an incredible mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. With a deep, saturated purple color, insane aromatics of scorched earth, high-class cigar tobacco, dark chocolate, and gravelly minerality, and fabulous depth and concentration on the palate, it’s thrilling wine that’s marginally approachable today, yet short-term cellaring will do it wonders and it will still be singing in 30+ years. It’s a true “wow” wine in every sense.
WA 97+ (10/2018): Very deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up fantastically profound notes of baked plums, blackcurrant cordial and blackberry pie with hints of tilled soil, licorice, black truffles, camphor and coffee beans. The palate is very big, concentrated and decadent with loads of spices and earth layers, framed by plush tannins, finishing long with some minerals.
VM 96+ (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and plummy, with gorgeous inky fruit that conveys a real sense of primary intensity. Dark berries, blueberry jam, mocha, crème de cassis, lavender and mint develop with time in the glass. Unctuous and racy, the 2016 is still a very young wine. The French oak needs time to integrate, but there is so much to look forward to here. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Heritage Ridge Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
3 |
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WA 98 (10/2018): Very deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge features compelling Black Forest cake, warm plums, Christmas pudding and mocha notes with hints of blackberry preserves, star anise, incense and sautéed herbs plus a waft of underbrush. The palate is full, rich, velvety and fresh, with plenty of richness and layers of earth flavors, finishing long and minerally. Liquid decadence.
VM 96+ (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge is laced with sweet floral notes, raspberry jam, white pepper, mint and savory herbs. Aromatic and lifted, the Heritage Ridge shows a more floral and red-toned character than the Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a very distinctive and different side of this Diamond Mountain property. Antonio Galloni.
JD 96+ (1/2019): From a different side of the property that consists of deeper, more loamy soils as well as very old vines, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge reveals a deep purple color and textbook Cabernet notes of green tobacco, chocolate, scorched earth, and blackcurrants. It doesn’t have the ethereal, majestic quality found in the estate Cabernet, but it’s powerful and locked and loaded. It too will keep for 20-25 years. |
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| Turley Wine Cellars |
2016 |
Hayne Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$75 |
2 |
|
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| WA 96 (9/2018): The 2016 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard is the most perfumed and elegant of Turley's Petite Syrahs (they don't spell it "Sirah") this year, unfurling in the glass with a pure and fragrant bouquet of cassis, dark plums, rose petals and pencil lead. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a deep core of vibrant, juicy fruit, satiny but abundant tannins and a long finish. It's an exceptional wine from a singular vineyard. |
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| Turnbull |
2016 |
Fortuna Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
2016 |
Fortuna Vyd. Merlot |
$75 |
3 |
|
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| WA 9 (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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| Vine Hill Ranch |
2016 |
VHR Cabernet Sauvignon |
$319 |
1 |
|
| |
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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|
2016 |
VHR Cabernet Sauvignon Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$319 |
2 |
|
| |
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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| Williams Selyem |
2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$120 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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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