Winemaker Notes

The 2016 vintage was stellar due to warm summer growing conditions and cool temperatures in the fall, which extended hang-time and developed complex aromatics and flavors. Winemaker Paul Golitzin describes the wine’s texture as luxurious, with layer upon layer of rich and concentrated crème de cassis, blackberry and black plum fruit coating the palate with a deep, memorable impact. Nuances of violet, anise, leather, dark chocolate, black truffle and minerals can also be found in this incredibly pure wine of great power and finesse. It will drink well on release and over the next 2-3 decades.

Critical Acclaim

98 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is a beautiful wine and has a more classic profile than the more sexy, massive 2015. Beautiful notes of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, dried herbs, and loamy earth all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly pure and perfectly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon that has no hard edges, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, good acidity, and a great, great finish. It reminds me of the 2002 with its uber classic, balanced yet broad and powerful style.Rating 98+

Rating: 98+

98 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a ripe nose with a precise core of generous, healthy and robust red and black fruits. Bursting from the glass, chocolate-covered black cherries with elegant blackberry tones effortlessly strut their stuff next to seductive tones of French oak spices and subtle savory and floral tones. Full-bodied, the wine turns a touch tart in the mouth, with a focused acid structure balanced by lush tannins. The mid-palate is perfectly balanced, with rich dark cherry notes framing the oak expressions. The ripe core of fruit and oak dance vibrantly on the long, elaborate and generous finish, and the aftertaste lingers on for more than a minute after the wine has left the palate. This is a stunning and impressive wine in this vintage, one for collectors to take note of and seek out. 4,975 cases were produced.