2016 Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon

This has a deeply smoky and dark-fruited core with hints of graphite and iodine, across rich dark berries, mulberries and blackcurrants. The palate has regal and refined tannins that carry plenty of depth and flavor. Excellent richness and concentration with superb balance. A blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 20% petit verdot and 5% merlot. Drink across the next decade and beyond.

Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is another flawlessly balanced, pure, powerful 2016 that knocks it out of the park in terms of quality. Crème de cassis, blackberries, lead pencil, iron, and violet notes all emerge from this inky colored, full-bodied, yet ultra-fine Cabernet Sauvignon that does everything right. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 5% Merlot that’s mostly from Red Mountain, it has the balance and texture to shine even today yet will keep for 20+ years. The Griessel Family and winemaker Louis Skinner, with plenty of help from Bob Betz, continue to keep this estate near the top of the hierarchy in Washington, as well as all of the United States. Skinner commented that while 2017 was a hot vintage, smoke from massive fires in California and Oregon blocked a portion of the UV light which kept temperatures down, slowed ripening and delayed harvest. The result was good of hang time with the wines still showing sunny, perfumed characters. The 2016 Bordeaux variety releases showed beautifully.

Bright medium ruby. A sexy hint of wild reduction to the aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, dark chocolate and spices. Densely packed and refined but at the same time brisk, sappy and backward. Lovely balance here but this is still an infant. Dark berry, spice and mineral flavors hint at sweetness but are nicely framed and firmed by a tightly coiled spring of acidity and firm tannic spine. Less creamy and sensual than the 2015 version in the early going, but has the energy and balance to reward cellaring. Finishes firm and long. I'd like to see this again in five or six years, at which point it may well merit an even higher rating. The tannins dust the teeth and cheeks. (13.6% alcohol, vs. 14.5% for the '15)