Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and with roughly 50% new oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Select has a very deep garnet-purple color and explodes from the glass with pronounced, well-defined notes of blackcurrant cordial, baked black plums, blueberry pie and black cherry preserves plus touches of cedar chest, camphor, dark chocolate and star anise with a hint of pencil shavings. The medium to full-bodied palate is no shrinking violet, giving up bags of expressive black fruit and a firm level of finely grained tannins, finishing on a lingering menthol note. 648 cases produced.

Medium-dark ruby color; attractive, forward, rich, ripe, deep, black cherry, cassis, and blackberry fruit aroma with herbal and earthy notes, and hints of mint and milk chocolate; full body; big, deep, rich, nicely balanced, elegant, red and dark berry fruit flavors with a hint of mocha, and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Developed some complexity with airing in the glass and is very enjoyable to drink now and over the near term, though worthy of a good five more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; 648 cases; 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (CS); released January 2019. (Group Score: 16.7 of 20 points, 3 of 8 first-place votes/2 seconds/2 thirds; My Score: 17 [92 of 100 points], first place)

Very much built along the lines of its Reserve sibling, this full and generously stuffed effort gets its high commendation for its ripe, deep, direct black cherry, slightly berryish fruit and its solid, tight structure that will hold it in good stead for the next four to eight years at a minimum. Think about serving it alongside long-cooked short ribs or even a Texas-style barbecued brisket in order to let the wine show off its muscles.

This is a succulent, high-toned and floral red, 100% varietal, that shows a softness of texture and well-integrated incorporation of oak. Dried herb, dark chocolate and bold red-berry fruit combine effortlessly and with complexity around rounded tannins and lasting elegance. VIRGINIE BOONE