This cuvee of 41,832 bottles possesses a Bordeaux-like austerity, as well as abundant quantities of sweet cassis, cedar, and spice notes in the complex bouquet. The dark ruby color is followed by a dense, concentrated wine with an emphasis on elegance and symmetry as opposed to power and flamboyance. 

Something truly noble and profound can be found, once again, in the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Impassable Mountain. This just has richness beyond belief, and a level of complexity and je ne sais quoi character that is hard to articulate. This is extraordinary winemaking, obviously a great, great terroir, and a historic effort from the folks at Hidden Ridge Vineyard (which as been rebranded as Immortal Estate). I don't think the 2014 will ever achieve the perfection of the 2013, but it will sure be fun to compare them over the next 40-50 years, if any of us live that long.

As for the 2014s, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Slope from the Hidden Ridge vineyard does not suffer in comparison with the extraordinary efforts of 2013. Still a barrel sample, its riveting richness, concentration, texture and density represent another legend in the making. Crème de cassis, licorice, blackberry, earthiness and spice are all present in this magnificent example of Cabernet Sauvignon that should age beautifully for 25-30+ years.

Blended of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Red Blend is scented of black cherries, blackberries and wild blueberries with hints of damp soil, pepper and dried herbs. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the earthy/spicy palate and with firm, chewy tannins, it finishes very long.

Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is a total rock star even at this incredibly youthful stage, strutting the stage with flamboyant freshly crushed red and black currants, black cherries, black raspberries and cassis scents with spectacular lilacs and fragrant earth accents plus sparks of cast iron pan, garrigue and grilled meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with amazing energy, packing wonderfully vibrant black fruits, red berries and mineral flavors into a firm, finely grained frame, finishing very long and beautifully lifted.

The 2016 Howell Mountain Estate Red Blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with incredibly fragrant red and black currants, crushed black berries and black cherries notes with hints of cigar box, bay leaves, licorice, oyster sauce, yeast extract and chargrill. The palate is full, super concentrated and built like a brick house, offering very firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and savory. This flat-out beauty should be very long lived! 

A different beast, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is more backward and reticent, and while it needs 4-5 years of bottle age, is packed with potential. Both black and blue fruits, earth, tobacco, and freshly crushed rock notes all flow to a full-bodied 2016 that has plenty of fine tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and beautiful intensity and length. Do your best to give this some bottle age, and you’ll be rewarded with a phenomenal Napa Valley Cabernet that will keep for 2-3 decades.

Classic and elegant, with textbook Cabernet Sauvignon crème de cassis and blackberry fruits, full body, ultra-fine tannins, and complex notes of graphite, wet stone, and some gravelly minerality.

Another magical effort, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard reveals a deep, saturated ruby/purple color as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, forest floor, tobacco, bouquet garni, and dried herbs. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful, it has building structure, loads of ripe tannins, a seamless texture, and a heavenly finish. Drink this thrilling, multi-dimensional Cabernet Sauvignon over the coming 20-25 years.

Evidence 2016 Of The Matter Bruadair Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder). From a high-elevation site, this impressively structured wine is co- fermented with 8% Malbec and explodes in tones of black pepper, nutmeg and sweet tobacco. It is smooth and tingling in acidity, yet also shows length and breadth. Enjoy 2021–2026.

The deep garnet-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Heir Apparent Rutherford slowly unfurls to reveal notions of tar, scorched earth, dusty soil and iron ore over baked plums, mulberries and cassis with touches of sautéed herbs. Full, firm and richly fruited with ripe, grainy tannins, it finishes long and earthy.

On the approach, the 2016 Lyndenhurst sings a polished and youthful tone and soon reveals generosity and sophistication. The progression is long and opulent, punctuated by notes of cedar, winter mint, bergamot, briar, sandalwood, and chestnuts. There are layers of fruit-blueberry and soft, dark cherry open to aromas of blackberry, intermingled with warming notes of vanilla bean and cocoa powder. The wine is held together with a bright, linear acidity complemented by dark, silken tannins that together leave a lingering finish. This belies its youth and is wonderful to enjoy now.

Blended of 55% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Hexameter leaps from the glass with bold Black Forest cake, cassis and redcurrant jelly scents with suggestions of candied violets, pencil lead, oolong tea and cumin seed with a touch of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals loads of red and black fruit layers beautifully laced with exotic spices and floral fragrances, framed by super ripe, super fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long.

Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Petite Sirah, aged for 20 months in 38% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve is deep garnet-purple in color. Just bottled last week, it's already showing open and expressive blackberries, blackcurrant and warm plums notes with touches of tobacco leaf and underbrush plus a waft of menthol. The palate is medium to full-bodied with lovely freshness and vibrancy, textured with plush tannins and finishing with a menthol lift.

Dark garnet in color, the 2017 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of freshly picked blueberries, ripe black cherries, with subtle notes of roasted coffee, cocoa and dried spices. On the palate, the luscious supple tannins are powerful yet modern in style with layered flavors of juicy blackberry and red fruit, while nuances of black pepper, clove and vanilla bean round out the long smooth finish. It’s full-bodied and rich, balanced by fresh acidity and firm, polished tannins.
“The goal for this Cabernet is simple – to make wine that expresses all that Paso has to offer, with its pastoral beauty, perfect soils, maritime climate and limitless possibility.”

THE 2017 VINTAGE OF BARBOUR CABERNET SAUVIGNON IS FULLY RIPE, DISPLAYING PURPLE AND BLUE TONES AND DEEPER NOTES OF MOCHA, BLACK TEA AND GRAPHITE.  ITS FULL MOUTHFEEL OFFERS TANNINS THAT ARE PRESENT YET APPROACHABLE, AND THE WINE FINISHES WITH DARK FRUITS DOMINATING THE MID AND UPPER PALATE. 

The 2017 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine checks in as 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot and is one of the few wines that has the potential to match what was achieved in 2016. A total thriller, it has awesome notes of plums, blueberries, earth, chocolate, and espresso, with even a hint of truffle developing with time in the glass. Deep, dense, shockingly powerful and layered, yet still light and balanced on the palate, with sweet tannins, it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet age well.

Named after winemaker Eric Jensen's parents, the 2017 Harvey and Harriet is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec. It offers a richer, powerful style as well as Napa Cabernet-like notes of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, crushed rocks, and violets. Rich, full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and voluptuous on the palate, it's more approachable than the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, but I wouldn't bet against it aging just as long.

Sourced from the very best vineyards within the Carter portfolio of single vineyard sources, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the very best of what Napa Valley has to offer. The various vineyard elements fuse together to create a rich, sumptuous Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with massive concentration and intensity. On the palate, this is everything you would want in a great Cabernet Sauvignon, including dense flavors of blackberries, graphite and spring flowers framed in well-integrated oak profile. This full-bodied, layered, racy style shows the purity and elegance of the 2017 vintage, not it mention its serious oomph and decadence.

More cassis, violets, and flowers emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Regusci Vineyard, which has a more focused, ageworthy, elegant style. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured as well as balanced, it has remarkably polished, sweet tannins, which can be hard to find in the 2017 vintage. Drink it any time over the coming 15 years or so.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon features blackberry preserves, baked red and blackcurrants and star anise notes with touches of fallen leaves, dried lavender and tapenade. Full-bodied, firm and crunchy with great depth, the palate is built like a brick house, with beautifully ripe tannins and a fragrant finish.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up expressive notes of baked blackcurrants, blackberry pie and spice cake with hints of licorice, tobacco and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling black tea note.

Made by Sam Kaplan and a blend of numerous top sites (Vine Hill Ranch, Dr. Crane, Las Piedras, Weitz, and Oakville Ranch), the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep purple color as well as smoking notes of cassis, black raspberries, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings, and beautiful gravelly minerality. Up with the top wines in the vintage, it has incredible purity, full body, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This brilliant 2017 is going to keep for 20-25 years or more.

 Tench Vineyard's signature characteristics shine in this Russell Bevan Made 2017 Perus Armaan. A seductive bouquet of ripe blackcurrants and black raspberry fruits intermixed with loads of spice box, dried earth, graphite and incense, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, chewy, powerful style, loads of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish. 

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard has a vibrant deep garnet-purple color and prances out of the glass with vivacious black cherries, wild blueberries and blackcurrants scents plus suggestions of violets, bay leaves, tilled earth and black tea. Medium to full bodied, the palate is tightly knit with firm, grainy tannins and a lively line cutting through the stacked, lively fruit, finishing long with amazing freshness.

Celia Welch once again delivers a densely packed wine with seductive aromas of raspberry jam, blackberry, brambleberry, cocoa, cedar, anise and mint tea.   On entry, the wine is ripe and expansive and continues this way through to the finish.  It is dense and highly concentrated with a finish of fresh, juicy fruit notes.  The tannins are present and approachable.

Loaded with a deep dark core of blackcurrants, spiced chocolate and the subtle compliments of licorice. The finish is what we expected, palate covering deliciousness!

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Scarecrow opens with notions of warm cassis, baked plums, black raspberries and boysenberries with accents of dried mint, pencil shavings and fragrant soil plus a waft of cast iron pan. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, it has a solid backbone of fantastically ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2017 M. Étain is deep garnet-purple colored and prances out of the glass with exuberant baked cherries, warm mulberries, plum pudding and crème de cassis notes with touches of Provence herbs, tilled soil and pencil lead plus wafts of spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied, firm and earthy in the mouth, the palate has bags of freshness and a firm structure with loads of spicy nuances on the finish.

Finely aged in a mix of new Darnajou and Taransaud barrels. It’s a deep, rich, serious wine that has a huge nose of black, black fruits, graphite, crushed rocks, and chocolate. It doesn’t pull any punches on the palate either and is full-bodied, deep, dense, and straight-up bad ass. It’s an awesome wine in the making, but as with a few of these other 2017s, short-term cellaring is going to be the name of the game.

A dense, darkly fruited Cabernet Sauvignon that proves nearly impenetrable by light. Predominantly grown in the eastern hillsides of Napa Valley that rise above Rutherford, no sip of this wine comes up short on swagger. The wine’s brawny structure effortlessly carries the massive, saturated palate of deep, black fruits and pine-forest accents, barely revealing itself while travelling across the palate. Provide this wine a healthy decant in its youth, before diving into its endlessly deep waters.

Benoit's unrivaled work ethic and tenacity continues to show in every new vintage!

Another terrific value, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% each Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Production is way down due to the fires, but it's a smoking wine with its bright, juicy blackberry and cassis fruit interwoven with plenty of graphite and toasted spice. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and sweetly fruited, it has ripe tannins and is well worth seeking out.

Deep purple-black colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up notes of baked plums, black currant pastilles and dried blueberries with hints of fried herbs, cigar box and fruitcake. Full-bodied, the palate is just slightly hollow with chewy tannins and oodles of freshness pleasantly lifting the berry preserves flavors on the finish.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate saunters out of the glass with a seriously sexy nose of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries, kirsch and black cherries with touches of fragrant soil, cassis, tobacco leaf, candied violets and espresso. Medium to full-bodied, the palate positively quivers with an electric intensity of tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by very firm, fine-grained tannins and delivering bags of freshness and perfume on the very long finish.

Monastery Block is deep garnet-purple and has a nose of warm blackberries, preserved plums and mulberries with an earthy/savory undercurrent of smoked mates, chargrill, roasted nuts and sautéed herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and concentrated, with nice ripe, grainy tannins and great concentration, finishing long and earthy.