2016 “Five Six Seven” Napa Valley Red - Taylor Family Vineyards

Silky dark cherry, fragrant cedar, blueberry compote. Blackberry purée, brûléed brown sugar, strawberry glaze. Crushed black currant, rhubarb pie, and violet oil collide with roasted tobacco, grilled meat, and espresso in an incredibly bright, pretty, and polished attack. Impressions of hazelnut, French vanilla, and Swiss chocolate advance the parade of delicious decadence yet cannot overpower resistance by crushed pine needle, muddled mint, and perfumed florals. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoke emerge to reveal luxurious barrel treatment that provides a regal sheen atop the high-toned and vibrantly layered profile. Impressively tart, tight, and textured on the palate; showcasing wonderful structure, balance, and restraint to pair with incredibly seductive elegance. Medium plus in body with elevated levels of both tannin and acidity. This 2016 "Five Six Seven" Napa Valley Red by Taylor Family Vineyards is an enchanting and extraordinarily well executed Napa blend.

Although most old world regions are bound to the use of traditional local grape varieties, winemakers in Napa have long been free to experiment with unique and unconventional blends. This bottling, crafted by Taylor Family Vineyards using 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% each of Malbec/Petit Verdot/Syrah sourced from within Napa Valley, brilliantly showcases the merits of adventurous blending. While it certainly possesses a firm leaning towards a Bordeaux-style cuvée this wine incorporates heavy percentages of the lesser-used blending grapes of Malbec and Petit Verdot, which along with some Syrah and a backbone of Cabernet shape a wine of richness, tension, and poise. This is a beautifully age-worthy offering that will only continue to improve and integrate with time. An outstanding achievement.