Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Beaulieu Vineyards

Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2016

Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Napa, Napa Valley
Varietal(s)
Cabenet Sauvignon 100 %
Colour
Red

About this winery

In 1900, when Georges de Latour's wife, Fernande, first laid eyes on the land that would become their original Rutherford vineyard, she named it "beau lieu," or "beautiful place." Shortly thereafter, de Latour sold his thriving cream of tartar business, bought the four-acre ranch and founded Beaulieu Vineyard with the vision of making Napa Valley wines that would rival those of his native France.

See the Beaulieu Vineyards detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter showing of 2015, and the extended mild season helped to balance the acids and add complexity to the layers of flavors. Considered a perfect harvest and a winemaker’s dream vintage, conditions were perfect for producing a Cabernet with beautiful fruit as well as tremendous concentration of flavors, highly saturated color, and layers of complexity.

Production notes

After the grapes were destemmed and crushed, we fermented the must in stainless steel tanks until dry. We then pressed the wines and transferred them to toasted 60-gallon oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 15 months of aging. We blended several varieties with the Cabernet Sauvignon to add plushness to the wine’s mid-palate and finesse to the lingering finish, as well as to enhance the flavor and aroma profile.

Tasting notes

With layers of wild raspberry, black cherry and juicy black plum followed by complex nuances of more brambly elements like savory wild sage, fresh mint and forest floor on the finish. The tannins are full and round giving the wine a silky mouthfeel with a delicate structure. Nicely integrated baking spice notes of cinnamon and brioche from toasted oak barrels are interwoven through the aromas and flavors, complementing the lengthy finish.

Press reviews

Wine Advocate

- 90 points -

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, October 2018 (Vintage 2016)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 4% Touriga Nacional, 3% Malbec and 2% other complementary varietals, aged in French, American and European oak (30% new) for 15 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps boldly from the glass with boisterous crème de cassis, blueberry pie and baking spice scents with touches of chocolate box and potpourri. Full, rich and opulent, it has a plush texture and tons of forward, spicy fruit, finishing fruity. 23,818 cases produced.

See detailed press review