"A vintage with few heat spikes and ideal weather throughout the growing season, the core of the 2016 indicates a true classic offering with concentration, finesse, and agreeability. The deep, rich color suggests the wine's density and depth, while its purple-violet edges are telling of the natural acidity and vivacity. Suggesting its aging potential, the 2016 continually reveals a new layer of expression after opening. Initially somewhat coy and restrained, the nose blossoms with aeration, developing iron and raspberry notes before showing its true character with cassis - the signature aromatic of great Cabernet Sauvignon. Shapely, fine-grained tannins are mouth-filling, while the acidity present gives backbone, direction, and freshness with an integrated and harmonious density. 2016 stands as an example of how wines with great potential for aging are, at the same time, a pleasure in their youth at release.
Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot"
Winemaker's notes
"The 2016 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and a 1% splash of Petit Verdot aged for 21 months in 78% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with exuberant blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries and black cherries scents with touches of licorice, garrigue, tilled soil and cedar chest plus hints of tobacco and dried Provence herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with a solid, muscular black fruit core and firm, ripe, grainy tannins plus a wonderfully refreshing line, finishing with loads of energetic earth and herbal sparks."
96+ points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate