2016 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Estate Rockfall
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The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall Vineyard seems to be frozen in time. Fresh blackberry, eucalyptus, incense and mocha coast effortlessly from start to finish, leaving behind a saturation of voluptuous, chocolatey richness but no sense of heaviness. Ultra-fine tannins scream polish. It’s easy to envision the 2016 cruising for at least another decade, such is its balance and sense of nascent energy.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall Vineyard offers up confident, bold scents of warm blackberries, ripe blackcurrants, licorice and charcoal with hints of crushed rocks, cigar box and violets plus a waft of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the palates signs of energetic, crunchy black and blue fruits, with a solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and bright freshness, finishing long and earthy. 737 cases were made.
Another gem that’s going to flirt with perfection in a decade is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall Vineyard. Based on 100% Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 65% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by a mammoth-sized bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, scorched earth, and graphite. Showing more spice and tobacco with time in the glass, it has incredible purity of fruit, building tannins, and flawless balance, all making for a majestic Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon that will keep for 30 years or more.
One of the highlights in this range, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rockfall Vineyard is laced with the essence of crème de cassis, mint, crushed rocks, licorice, cloves and grilled herbs. Unctuous in feel, with plenty of backing structure, it feels wonderfully complete. This is an especially brooding, savory Cabernet, with everything in the right place.