2016 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Robert John Vineyards

Whipped blackberry, cocoa powder, silky dark cherry. Crème de cassis, roasted violet, black licorice liqueur. Vanilla powder and warm nutmeg, brown tobacco leaf and mocha latte. Ripe black currant, plum skin, and acai lead a tightly wound yet lush and decadent attack bolstered by sweet baking spices, dense florals, and rich chocolate. Eucalyptus, mint, and roasted pepper add just a touch of pleasant pyrazines that are completely overwhelmed by the alluring scent of new barrels and crisp $100 bills. Tufa and red dust shine through the glitz and glam to provide subtle yet compelling volcanic minerality. Opulent, tooth staining, tense, and monolithic, with imposing structure that declares only time can tame this magnificent beast. Full bodied with muscular tannin and wonderful acidity. This 2016 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by Robert John Vineyards is a boisterous, balanced, and beautifully modern single vineyard Coombsville Cab.

In the eyes of many Napa Valley Cabernet is the crème de la crème of American wine. This bottling, crafted by Robert John Vineyards using 95% Cab Sauv/3% Malbec/2% Petite Verdot sourced from the Kitchak Vineyard in Coombsville, is a compelling example of why Napa Cab has garnered such high critical acclaim. It is absolutely bursting with dense and chewy dark-fruited goodness bolstered by a generous helping of glossy new oak. This wine doesn't skimp on depth or earthy quality and thoroughly impresses in every facet of its powerful attack. Our only regret is opening this bottle now, as it deserves at least 10 years in the cellar to blossom and fully flesh out. Impressive stuff.