Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016
(Napa Valley, California) - [WS 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Our hillside and valley floor estate vineyards in Wooden Valley are at elevations of 700 to 1000 feet. Soil types on the ranch which are similar to the Rutherford Bench and the mountainous regions of Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill and Mount Veeder called for several different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon on a number of different rootstocks upon planting in 1986. The vines are dry-farmed and vertically trellised.

Fermentation of Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon occurs in both open and closed top fermenters. Certain lots are allowed to macerate on their skins for up to three weeks following fermentation. This technique produces a wine with softer, more integrated tannins, which carry fruit and oak nuances through to the palate. The wine is racked into 70% new French oak barrels for a period of 34 months. The wine is lightly filtered and then bottled.

94 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Steeped Black Mission fig, plum and blackberry flavors are melded to warm fruitcake, dark licorice and Turkish coffee notes. Despite the profile, this is defined, with a subtle sanguine hint adding detail on the seductive finish. Drink now through 2030. 3,000 cases made." - JM (Nov 2020)

93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine (2015 Vintage):
"Exhibits a tight core of vibrant blackberry, anise, gravel, cedar and tobacco leaf flavors, and though the tannins are study, this shows a measure of grace and harmony that bodes well for the future. Drink now through 2032. 3,500 cases made." - JL (Nov 2018)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2015 Vintage):
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon rocks up with gregarious black cherries, blackcurrants and warm plums with hints of menthol, chocolate box and fragrant earth. Big, rich and full-bodied, with loads of minted black berry and earthy layers, it has a firm, grainy frame and fantastic length." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Oct 2018)