94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points - RP
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - California Grapevine
The finish is long and harmonious, with rich fruit flavors lingering extensively. Will drink great for 10-15 years.
Winemaking
The vintage ofered smaller berries that achieved optimal tannin maturity in the vineyard resulting in both power and elegance. After three weeks or maceration, these wine lots had achieved optimal extraction and were gently pressed. The Oakville Cabernet was aged in Darnajou and Taransaud barrels, which framed the elegant flavors and allowed the young wine to develop harmoniously. After 20 months in barrel, the wines were racked and bottled unfined and unfiltered, showcasing the classic dark fruit and richness of Oakville.
Oakville Vineyard, Napa Valley
Sitting at 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level with a westward aspect overlooking Napa Valley, the vineyard was replanted in 2006 by esteemed organic viticulturist Phil Coturri, and is fast gaining a reputation for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. The vines are trained meticulously to a 2-cane VSP system. Each shoot is positioned by hand and thinned to one cluster per shoot, providing maximum concentration and flavor. Clusters are small and loose with tiny berries, which have excellent color and flavors at harvest. The rocky clay, loam and basalt soils have a heavy iron influence providing structure, power and depth.
Vintage
In 2016, California experienced a fifth year of severe drought conditions. The vintage was yet another standout for Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, with an intensity of flavor and depth of concentration that harnessed the full potential of the renowned Oakville AVA. Moderate summer temperatures allowed sugar levels and flavor development to progress slowly and evenly. A few brief heat spikes gave way to a cooler than normal August, allowing for longer hang times without rapid sugar accumulation.
Analysis
Appellation: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Oakville Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% berry-sorted Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 75% New French Oak
pH: 3.65 TA: 6.2 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered June 2018
Cases Produced: 1000
Alcohol: 14.5%
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Polished and elegantly layered Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah offers red plum and black cherry, with hints of cigar box, forest floor, bay, baking spices, light pepper and vanilla on the nose. Expressive black raspberry, sassafras and smoky pepper flavors that linger with salted dark chocolate, red plum, cherry with notes of pepper on the palate.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This big juicy wine opens up with aromas of dark berry, black plum, dried violet and maple that leap from a glass, layered with dried herbs, tar, and smoke that follow. Blackberry and blueberry compote rule the palate, while leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth lead to a long, satisfying finish. Delicious!
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Dark fruit aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry steer the aromatics backed by baking spices, anise and lavender. A touch of Syrah to add tannin and depth. On the palate, black cherry and blackberry preserve shine through rounded out by herbs de Provence, dark chocolate and vanilla. A gorgeous expressive wine!
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