2016 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The largest production release is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. It's 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, all of which spent 27 months in 35% French oak. It's a soft, elegant red with pretty black cherry, raspberry, toasted spice, and tobacco notes as well as a medium-bodied, silky, polished style. It's nicely balanced, has present tannins, and a great finish.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) is powerful, dense and savory, not to mention incredibly expressive. Sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, leather, licorice, chocolate and dried flowers develop in this characterful Cabernet; there is plenty of Rutherford dirt personality as well. This is very nicely done.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is a relative newcomer to the range, sourced just off Highway 29, not far from the To Kalon vineyard. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is laced with warm cassis, wild blueberries and boysenberry scents plus nuances of chocolate box, candied violets, cloves and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has wonderful vivacity with bags of blue fruit and very soft, approachable tannins, finishing spicy. 587 cases were made.