2016 Cabernet Sauvignon – SOLD OUT!

Tasting Notes

Subtle aromas of luscious blackberry merge with gentle oak notes laced with hints of mocha. The bright entry offers expressive flavors of black raspberry, cherry, and plum infused with traces of spicy cedar, creamy coffee, and dark chocolate. As the fruit marries with mid-palate tannins, the wine reveals its depth and complexity, lingering into a finish woven with rich Dutch cocoa.

Vintage: 2016
Varietals: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Production: 100 cases

Review – Ken’s Wine Guide

” This midnight purple colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Estate 1856 opens with a mild black olive and black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and super smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty black currant and graphite blend with notes of gentle oak and blackberry. The finish is rather dry and its tannins build up and linger for a extended time frame. I would pair this impressive Cab with a well-marbled ribeye steak. Enjoy – Ken” Ken’s Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93) Review Date: January 30, 2020

Vintage Notes

Growing grapes is our passion…and having a growing season with few ups and downs keeps our blood pressure low! This 2016 season followed the previous vintages with early budbreak followed by some typical Spring showers that did not interfere with set in May and early June. The consistent weather with fewer than normal hot spells during Summer produced even ripening with great color development. August was cooler than normal allowing great hang time before harvest. We were able to harvest all of our fruit carefully…even with the season presenting several varieties ripening at the same time! Daily tasting evaluations of our wine in our fermentation tanks were consistently flavorful, giving an insight into the great wines with pure flavors!

Winemaking Notes

Our winemaking protocol demands separate small carefully temperature regulated fermentations for each varietal providing optimum treatment for each Cabernet clone as well as for our Malbec and Petit Verdot. These wines are carefully pressed direct to barrel and are aged separately until rigorous blending trials the Spring before Summer bottling. Each individual barrel is tasted for uniqueness and provides an essential blend diversity that typifies our wines as well as an exceptional 22 month ageing period.

Food Pairing Suggestions

So delicious paired with coffee-rubbed rib eyes, or braised lamb shanks with gremolata and baked polenta.