Napa’s Spring Mountain District makes some of the most distinctive Cabernets in the Valley. The area receives a hefty amount of rain in the winter and spring, yet is exposed to ample warmth and sunshine during the growing season. Its elevation means vineyards are above the fog line, ensuring healthy grapes and its volcanic soils promote intense flavors and structured wines. Winemaker Martha McClellan is exceptionally talented, and she knows how to coax out the most from grapes, while nurturing loads of fine-grained tannins into the finished wine. She has several 100-point wines to her credit, and she is a perfect mix with Vineyard 7 & 8’s property!
This 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon experienced a cool and slow 50-60 day fermentation; twice the length of what most other vintners employ. This ensures that the grapes would give up all their flavors, aromas and textures, and adds nuance to the finished wine. The wine was aged in 100% new French oak, but the lengthy 26 months of aging keeps the oak nicely integrated with the wine. This full-bodied, rich, and powerful gem earned 97+ points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 97+ POINTS - "One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate sashays out of the glass with provocative Black Forest cake, warm blackcurrant, wild blueberries and black raspberry scents with an undercurrent of candied violets, menthol, pencil shavings and forest floor. The full-bodied palate is laden with fragrant black and blue fruits, framed by firm, finely-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "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."
This 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon experienced a cool and slow 50-60 day fermentation; twice the length of what most other vintners employ. This ensures that the grapes would give up all their flavors, aromas and textures, and adds nuance to the finished wine. The wine was aged in 100% new French oak, but the lengthy 26 months of aging keeps the oak nicely integrated with the wine. This full-bodied, rich, and powerful gem earned 97+ points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 97+ POINTS - "One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate sashays out of the glass with provocative Black Forest cake, warm blackcurrant, wild blueberries and black raspberry scents with an undercurrent of candied violets, menthol, pencil shavings and forest floor. The full-bodied palate is laden with fragrant black and blue fruits, framed by firm, finely-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "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."
