2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Stringer Cellars

Silky dark cherry, milk chocolate, crème de cassis. Blueberry purée, rich tobacco, cool pomegranate glaze. Crushed rosemary and cast iron, humidor and vanilla cream. Whipped acai and blackberry reduction lead a procession of smooth velvety fruit that struts pampered and plush thanks to generous yet tasteful oak treatment. Beneath the posh exterior cedar and sweet violet abound, dancing delicately before eventually culminating in deep earthy tones of pencil lead, red dust, and volcanic soil. Round, lush, and full bodied, backed up by satin-like yet sizable tannin and a fresh dousing of acidity. Gorgeously manicured while retaining tremendous purity and character. This 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by Stringer Cellars is a spectacular and sensual modern California Cab.

There are a plethora of major players making fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon based wine throughout Napa Valley, but many of the most exciting examples we try tend to be the product of small boutique producers. This bottling, crafted by Stringer Cellars using 95% Cab Sauv and 5% Petit Verdot all sourced from within the valley, is a genuinely phenomenal expression of cult-style Cabernet made by a very small producer. The majority of the fruit for this wine came from the prestigious Ghost Block Vineyard in Yountville, with the remainder coming from the highly lauded Stagecoach Vineyard. The pedigree of the grapes shine brightly here as this wine expresses a wonderful sense of poise and regal richness only found in some of the region's greatest wines. Texture here is magnificent with a sumptuous silken sheen that avoids excessive opulence or flab. An excellent wine in all respects.