2016 Sterling - Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

Cassis, redcurrants, fresh herbs, raspberries and red licorice. Medium-bodied with good savoriness to bolster the red berries and acidity crunch. Drink now.

I loved the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has loads of character in its blackcurrant, plum, licorice, and vanilla oak-laced aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured and balanced, it’s a delicious, high-quality effort to drink over the coming 7-8 years. It’s a smoking value.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is blended of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Petite Sirah, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 16 months in French, American and Hungarian oak (30% new). Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals crushed red and black currants, Black Forest cake and menthol notes with hints of cloves, black pepper and tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with juicy black fruits and a plush frame, finishing with a minty lift. 12,200 cases produced.