Wine Advocate (95)

I also tasted two consecutive vintages of the slate Pinot Noir, and the oldest of the two is the 2016 Aconcagua Costa Las Pizarras Pinot Noir, which fermented with 18% full clusters in open vats after a cold soak and had a 20-day maceration. It matured for some 14 months in French barriques, 33% of them new. It has that iodine-like or fresh blood note I associate with schist and iron soils. This seems fresher and more precise than the previous 2015, unlike what I saw in the Chardonnay bottlings. It's nicely textured, with ultra refined tannins that provide some grip and stick to your teeth. 6,500 bottles were filled in May 2017.

Vinous (93)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon G III is a powerful, dense wine. Chocolate, blackberry jam, spice, menthol and licorice all flesh out in this big, virile wine. This is an especially potent, concentrated expression of the Georges III Vineyard and also the most accessible of the wines in Larry Fairchild's range.

Showcasing the epitome of Napa Valley winemaking, Fairchild Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is an exquisite expression of terroir and skill. Crafted by renowned estate Fairchild, known for their uncompromising dedication to quality, this prized bottle reveals the precise artistry applied to each vine.

Sourced from the Pritchard Hill region of Napa Valley, famed for its rocky, volcanic soils, Sigaro displays the characteristic intensity and power of the area. The meticulous, hand-harvested selection of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes imbues a bold, brooding depth. The wine’s 20-month maturation in new French oak endows it with a dramatic structure and superb longevity.

Fairchild Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 offers a profound, concentrated fruit core enveloped by plush tannins, leading to a prodigious finish. A fine balance of elegance and intensity, this exceptional vintage invites a symphony of blackcurrant, earthy truffle, and warm spice notes. An insatiable encounter for any discerning palate.

Discover the luxurious taste of Fairchild Stones No 1 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. Born from the renowned terroir of Napa Valley, California, this elegant vintage is defined by its superb complexity and exquisite finesse. It is the proud creation of Larry Fairchild, who collaborates with celebrated winemaker, Philippe Melka. Together, they've crafted a wine showcasing remarkable layers of ripe dark fruits, exotic spices, and structured tannins.

Matured in 100% new French Oak for 21 months, the bold flavours have been allowed to evolve to unparalleled harmony. From its outstanding Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, the exceptional stones in the soil give the wine an intense minerality, further enhancing its desirability. Fairchild Stones No 1 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is not just a wine, but an expression of terroir and expertise, making it a valuable addition to any connoisseur's collection.

Indulge in the sublime taste of Fairchild Stones No 2 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, a true testament to the art of winemaking. This esteemed bottle hails from the revered Pritchard Hill area in Napa Valley, California, and is the result of meticulous production methods by the Fairchild Stone vineyard. Hand-picked and sort brushed, the berries underwent a prolonged maceration and oak-ageing process, enhancing the intrinsic flavours and refinement.

Despite its youth, this 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a sophisticated maturity, radiating elegance and depth. Swirling in your glass, dark fruit aromas are punctuated with subtle earthy hints. Upon tasting, textured tannin and a magnificent balance grace your palate, accompanying an exalted finish.

With Fairchild Stones No 2 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, you're not only buying a bottle of wine, but a piece of Napa Valley's winemaking legacy. Its character speaks volumes about the magic of its terroir; a true gem for any connoisseur's collection.

Wine Advocate (97+)

A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled prances out of the glass with gorgeous black cherries, molten chocolate, licorice and warm cassis scents plus underlying notions of candied violets, cigar box and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses great elegance and bags of poise with wonderfully ripe, plush tannins framing the perfumed black fruits, finishing very long and layered.

Vinous (94)

Ric Forman's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is all class. The 2016 won't be ready to drink for at least another few years, but it is already super attractive, and also very typical of Ric Forman's style. Lavender, spice, and red cherry run through this wine made in a mid-weight, translucent style that is all class and finesse.

The Wine Cellar Insider (100)

Packed and stacked with blackberries, boysenberry's, blueberries, smoke, orange rind, spice and fresh brewed espresso, from the initial sniff you know this is a show-stopper. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and dense, yet, with all this power, you also find balance. Every nook and cranny of your palate is coated with perfectly ripe, opulent berries. Texturally, the velvety waves of fruit hit all the right pleasure buttons again and again. The finish here keeps on going effortlessly moving from note to note. This is what great wine is all about. I seldom drink during tastings. But with this stunner, I drank every drop!

The Wine Cellar Insider (100)

Packed and stacked with blackberries, boysenberry's, blueberries, smoke, orange rind, spice and fresh brewed espresso, from the initial sniff you know this is a show-stopper. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and dense, yet, with all this power, you also find balance. Every nook and cranny of your palate is coated with perfectly ripe, opulent berries. Texturally, the velvety waves of fruit hit all the right pleasure buttons again and again. The finish here keeps on going effortlessly moving from note to note. This is what great wine is all about. I seldom drink during tastings. But with this stunner, I drank every drop!

James Suckling (97)

The brightness and vivid fruit character here is so very impressive. Medium to full body. Firm and silky tannins. Extremely long and linear with a gorgeous finish. I can’t wait on this. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2016 Hartford Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. Wow—the nose is a knock-out beauty of black cherry cordial, blueberry compote, fruitcake and liquid licorice with hints of roses, lilacs, Indian spices and garrigue. Full-bodied and beautifully structured with firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, the palate is generously filled with fruit and spice layers, finishing long and perfumed. 292 cases produced.

Wine Advocate (100)

The “dark expression of Ark Vineyard" continues with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dark Ark. Deep garnet-black, the nose is profoundly earthy/meaty, slowly revealing beguiling notes of damp soil, truffles and crushed rocks, before giving way to a core of crème de cassis, black cherry compote and fruitcake with wafts of beef drippings and wild fungi. Full-bodied, rich and oh-so-earthy in the mouth, the palate delivers layers of black fruit preserves, beautifully offset by a lively backbone and velvety tannins, finishing epically long and layered. There is something hauntingly cerebral and yet satisfyingly visceral about this vintage—a singular experience!

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Probably my favorite in the entire lineup, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between comes from a tiny site just outside of Calistoga formerly known as the Pickett Road Vineyard. Like the 2015, the 2016 includes a touch of Cabernet Franc and spent the usual 32 months in 100% new French oak. This full-bodied, majestic Napa Valley Cabernet reveals a dense purple hue, awesome crème de cassis and kirsch fruit, amazing complexity in its spicy, sandalwood, and floral aromatics, and a massive yet elegant, lengthy personality. The texture is through the roof, it’s as seamless and polished as they come, perfectly balanced, and while I’d happily drink bottles today, my money is on this evolving for 3-4 decades.

Wine Advocate (100)

Deep garnet colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith soars out of the glass with Black Forest cake, Indian spices, tobacco leaf, dried Provence herbs and smoked meats notes, with touches of damp soil, black truffles and fragrant earth. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with layer upon earthy layer of nuanced black fruits, framed by finely grained tannins, finishing with a lifted, bright red fruit burst. It's like a complex scent puzzle that only begins to make sense when knitted with the textures in the mouth and then long after the wine has been swallowed. Still incredibly youthful, give it another 5 years in the cellar, at least, and drink it over the next 40 years+.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Belle Cousine is another absolutely gorgeous wine in this range from Hyde De Villaine. Ripe plum, mocha, new leather, spice, menthol and grilled herbs infuse the 2016 with striking complexity. Despite its considerable appeal, the 2016 is potent and massively tannic. Time in the glass gives a good idea of what will develop in time; readers should plan on being patient. The Belle Cousine is very clearly a special wine in the making.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine that remains very much within the classic style favored here. Inky dark fruit, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, tobacco and incense add striking layers of nuance to this dark, beautifully resonant Syrah. The 2016 spent 18 months in French oak, 20% of which was new. A reduction of time in barrel by a few months really helps the purity of the fruit come through. This is a superb vintage for the Syrah.

James Suckling (95)

A very fresh and vivid pinot with so much raspberry and blue fruit character. Stone and cement undertones. Blood oranges and sea shell, too. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A structured and flavorful red. Needs two or three years to come together.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

The base cuvée is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec sourced all from Rutherford. It has a classic, Saint Julien-like bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco lead, damp earth, and spice that gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated, textured Cabernet that hits all the right marks. The top Rubicon release has a touch more elegant and precision, but this isn't far off. Drink this stunner any time over the coming 20 years or more.

Wine Advocate (99)

Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.

Wine Advocate (99)

Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.

Wine Advocate (100)

A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc aged in 90% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored with a lovely crème de cassis core backed-up by the most amazing perfume of lilacs, oolong tea, camphor and dark chocolate plus gentle wafts of aniseed and red currants. Medium-bodied with fantastic vibrancy and intensity, the palate practically rings with spine-tingling energy. It slowly builds in the mouth to reveal layers of red and black fruits supported by a very finely grained frame and seamless freshness, leading to a drop dead gorgeous, perfumed lift on the long finish. Sex in a glass. 425 cases produced.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Estate Cuvée has turned out beautifully. Pliant, supple and inviting, the 2016 Estate Cuvée is one of the most refined wines I have tasted from Kapcsándy. Silky tannins and lifted, savory aromatics add to an impression of polish. The Cabernet Sauvignon savory notes are quite prominent, while the addition of 16% Roberta's Merlot helps fill out the mid-palate beautifully. This is such a pretty wine.

Vinous (97+)

The 2016 Roberta's Reserve is a powerful, dense wine with serious tannic clout. Beams of supporting tannin give the wine energy and drive. Reticent at first, the Roberta's fleshes out on the mid-palate and finish, where the succulence and intensity of the fruit is most apparent. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, pomegranate and dried flowers meld into the resonant, substantial finish. There is so much to the 2016.

Vinous (97)

Silky, polished and exceptionally beautiful, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sleeping Lady Vineyard is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. A rush of black cherry, plum, mocha, spice, new leather, licorice and dark spice gives the 2016 its racy, exuberant personality. This is an especially dark, almost brooding expression of Sleeping Lady and yet all the elements come together effortlessly.

Vinous (97)

Kinsman's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain) has really grown over the course of its barrel aging. Powerful and explosive, with tremendous concentration, the 2016 is all class. Inky dark fruit, lavender, spice, game and a host of savory/mineral inflections abound. The 2016 is a wine of magnificent intensity and pure power. Surprisingly, it may still have room to grow!

Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)

Last of the 2016s from barrel, the 2016 Estate Cuvée is a classic blend of 52% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Petit Verdot that’s brought up mostly in new French oak. It’s glass staining purple color is followed by a full-bodied, unctuous, seriously concentrated red that has building structure, a huge mid-palate and terrific notes of crème de cassis, pencil lead, tobacco leaf and graphite. The Cabernet really shows and this bruiser (although it stays graceful and lively) is going to require short term cellaring.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Starting with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District, which comes from a warmer, mountain terroir in the northern part of the valley, this full-bodied, rounded, incredibly textured effort boasts loads of black fruits, savory herbs, eucalyptus, and scorched earth. It has nicely integrated acidity, a deep, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, incredible elegance, and perfect balance, all making for a truly brilliant Mountain Cabernet that will keep for 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is deep purple-black in color and offers an incredible perfume of lilacs, black truffles, violets and menthol over a core of cassis, mulberries and warm plums plus a waft of tobacco leaf. The palate is full-bodied and built like a brick house with very firm, very ripe tannins and oodles of freshness cutting through the earthy layers, finishing very long. 920 cases produced.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Unfortunately, there won’t be a 2017 due to the fires, but the perfect 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder should certain tide you over. This literally off-the-charts effort is a good as Cabernet Sauvignon gets, offering complex blueberry and blackberry fruits, violets, bay leaf, and forest floor aromas and flavors. It’s a big, structured mountain Cabernet, yet it has a seamless texture, incredible elegance paired with full-bodied power, building tannins, and a great, great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and it will keep for 3+ decades. Good luck keeping your hands off it, though. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2051