Jeb Dunnuck (97-99)

Last of the 2016s from barrel, the 2016 Estate Cuvée is a classic blend of 52% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Petit Verdot that’s brought up mostly in new French oak. It’s glass staining purple color is followed by a full-bodied, unctuous, seriously concentrated red that has building structure, a huge mid-palate and terrific notes of crème de cassis, pencil lead, tobacco leaf and graphite. The Cabernet really shows and this bruiser (although it stays graceful and lively) is going to require short term cellaring.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Starting with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District, which comes from a warmer, mountain terroir in the northern part of the valley, this full-bodied, rounded, incredibly textured effort boasts loads of black fruits, savory herbs, eucalyptus, and scorched earth. It has nicely integrated acidity, a deep, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, incredible elegance, and perfect balance, all making for a truly brilliant Mountain Cabernet that will keep for 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is deep purple-black in color and offers an incredible perfume of lilacs, black truffles, violets and menthol over a core of cassis, mulberries and warm plums plus a waft of tobacco leaf. The palate is full-bodied and built like a brick house with very firm, very ripe tannins and oodles of freshness cutting through the earthy layers, finishing very long. 920 cases produced.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Unfortunately, there won’t be a 2017 due to the fires, but the perfect 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder should certain tide you over. This literally off-the-charts effort is a good as Cabernet Sauvignon gets, offering complex blueberry and blackberry fruits, violets, bay leaf, and forest floor aromas and flavors. It’s a big, structured mountain Cabernet, yet it has a seamless texture, incredible elegance paired with full-bodied power, building tannins, and a great, great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and it will keep for 3+ decades. Good luck keeping your hands off it, though. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2051

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

Also borderline perfection, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District offers more conifer and pine forest notes as well as vivid blueberry fruits, a full-bodied, intense, layered mouthfeel, thrilling elegance, and a big finish. My note on this one was sprinkled with a few expletives and this wine has everything you could want from Cabernet Sauvignon. As with the other 2016s from Chris, 2-4 years of bottle age are recommended.

Vinous (97+)

I am every bit as enthusiastic about MacDonald's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon today as I was last year, when I tasted it from barrel. So many 2016s are silky and open-knit, but the 2016 here is unusually tightly wound and reticent. Gravel, crème de cassis, bittersweet chocolate, spice, lavender and menthol develop in the glass over time. The 2016 does not have a lot of the charm of so many wines, but that is probably a good thing for its long-term prospects. Today, the 2016 reminds me most of the 2014 because of its mid-weight structure and sinewy tannins. Time in the glass brings out a more red-toned and floral profile, but the 2016 is not going to be anywhere ready to drink for a number of years. The only question is how many. Readers who can find the 2016 should not hesitate, as it is superb.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2016 Chardonnay is fabulous. A vivid, textured wine, the 2016 possesses remarkable finesse and intensity in all of its dimensions. Lemon oil and white flowers are amped up by the natural intensity of these old vines. The 2016 was fermented and aged in neutral oak, with no malolactic fermentation. Mayacamas is setting a new standard for what California Chardonnay can be. Don't miss it.

An embodiment of resplendence, the Mithra Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a testament to the virtue of fine winemaking. Birthed in the prestigious Mount Veeder appellation of California's Napa Valley, it reflects the unyielding spirit of the vineyard's rugged hillside terrains.

Perfected by the acclaimed Mithra Winery, it exemplifies their commitment to producing small-lot, handcrafted wines. The terroir's unique weather patterns and gritty volcanic soils lend a complex character to this Cabernet, bestowing an impressive concentration of flavours.

The Mithra Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 boasts aristocratic layers of cassis, ripe blackberry, and dark chocolate, underscored by whispers of sweet toasty oak. Each sip delivers a dense yet balanced texture, seamlessly bringing together a luscious fruit core with refined tannins and a lingering finish.

Gift your palate the sophisticated elegance of Mithra Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016; a true jewel that exponentially heightens the prestige of any discerning wine collection.

The Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon To-Kalon 2016 is an exquisite representative of the luxurious craft of Robert Mondavi Winery, skillfully developed in the prestigious To-Kalon Vineyard nestled within the Oakville AVA, Napa Valley. As one of Napa's first-growths, this impeccable vintage showcases the winery's commitment to vine cultivation and the expression of this ideal terroir. Purity and complexity define this opulent ruby-hued wine, in which meticulous winemaking is evident in every glass.

Hand harvested grapes evolve into a lush explosion of black cherry, cassis and wild berry essence, harmoniously woven together with sweet oak spice and dusty tannins. Ageing for 21 months in French oak barrels bestows to it a brilliantly structured finish, making this Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon To-Kalon 2016 a testament to the age-worthiness of Mondavi's wines. Dignified and elegant, this timeless Cabernet Sauvignon encapsulates the essence of Napa's sublime viticulture expression.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

My favorite in the lineup was the 2016 Cabernet Franc Mt. Veeder. This rock star effort has a Cheval Blanc-like level of complexity and purity. Possessing a huge perfume of black cherries, blackberries, violets, lavender, and savory herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, incredible elegance, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s not a blockbuster, yet it has world-class complexity, elegance, and purity. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.

James Suckling (96)

This is a flamboyant red that offers hazelnuts, dark berries and a hint of chocolate. Full-bodied with round and soft tannins. So fresh. So rich, enticing and layered. A blend of 84 per cent cabernet sauvignon, nine per cent petit verdot and seven per cent cabernet franc. Delicious now. Drink or hold. April 2019 release.

James Suckling (99)

Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.

James Suckling (99)

Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.

Wine Advocate (98)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard opens with provocative notions of crushed rocks, fertile loam and truffles with a core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and wild blueberries with touches of camphor and cloves. Medium to full-bodied and built like a brick house, it packs in the muscular fruit layers with compelling red fruit sparks, framed by firm, grainy tannins and finishing very long and very earthy. 402 cases produced.

Wine Advocate (99)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard slides seductively out of the glass with the most gorgeous notions of Chinese five spice, plum preserves, crème de cassis and potpourri plus hints of oolong tea, spearmint and cedar chest. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the generously spiced black fruit preserves, the firm, plush frame and the finish are simply epic. 469 cases were made.

Wine Advocate (99)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard slides seductively out of the glass with the most gorgeous notions of Chinese five spice, plum preserves, crème de cassis and potpourri plus hints of oolong tea, spearmint and cedar chest. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the generously spiced black fruit preserves, the firm, plush frame and the finish are simply epic. 469 cases were made.

Experience the exquisite offering that is Paul Lato Souvenir Sierra Madre Chardonnay 2016. Acclaimed vintner Paul Lato showcases the best of Californian viticulture producing award-winning wines in Santa Barbara County's esteemed Sierra Madre Vineyard. This sophisticated Chardonnay, a distinguished selection from an exceptional 2016 vintage, is crafted with precision using traditional Burgundian winemaking methods.

Expect an opulent bouquet of white flowers, freshly baked bread, and zesty citrus. Balanced by a rich minerality, the palate reveals an extended finish of buttery, toasted hazelnuts resulting from 15 months French oak barrel ageing. The hand-picked, carefully sorted clusters ensure superior quality grapes. Paul Lato has captured a harmonious marriage of Old World elegance and New World audacity in this bottle.

The Paul Lato Souvenir Sierra Madre Chardonnay 2016 is a testament to meticulous winemaking and the definitive exemplification of artisan craftsmanship. An indulgence that discerning oenophiles surely wouldn't want to miss.

As an expert fine wine connoisseur, I have the pleasure of introducing the exquisite taste of PerUs Janeen 2016. It is a one-of-a-kind Californian vintage with an opulent blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, meticulously aged in French oak barrels. This extraordinary wine is the brainchild of PerUs, a highly distinguished winery renowned for their finesse in creating limited production wines in Napa Valley.

The PerUs Janeen 2016 is characterised by its dark ruby colour, multi-layered complexity, and intense mouth-filling flavour. Its striking freshness and potent minerality on the nose directly leads to a palate teeming with ripe blue and black fruits. As the layers unfurl, you will find hints of espresso and dark chocolate with a drawn-out, well-rounded finish, leaving an indelible impression. The exquisite craftsmanship of PerUs Janeen 2016 renders it a must-try for true wine aficionados.

As an expert connoisseur, I am delighted to present the PerUs Napa Kyla 2016, a magnificent blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from the thriving terroirs of the Napa Valley. The esteemed viticulturist, Russell Bevan, fingerprints are all over this exquisite creation. The grapes, nurtured in famous Sugarloaf and Tench vineyards, were meticulously handpicked, contributing to the wine’s dense, rich character. The PerUs Napa Kyla 2016 was aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 22 months, finessing its vibrant flavours and opulent texture.

Exhibiting a stunning deep garnet purple colour, it bewitches the senses with an aromatic symphony of blackcurrants, violets, and hint of cigar box. The palate is treated to a perfect balance of freshness and tannins, elevated by the powerful dark fruits and subtle spices. Enjoy this monumental creation of PerUs, and let their relentless pursuit of perfection elevate your wine experience endlessly.

The Wine Independent (100)

Deep purple-black colored, the nose of the 2016 Promontory starts a little sluggish and broody before positively erupting with powerful scents of plum preserves and crème de cassis, followed by exotic hints of cardamom, Indian spices, and sandalwood, plus wafts of fertile loam and crushed rocks. The palate is full-bodied, rich, and velvety, intertwining opulence and minerality with wonderful vibrancy and gravitas, finishing with an epically long-lasting array of earthy sparks. Now starting to shut down as it heads into a slumber, give it a good 4-5 more years in the cellar before broaching, then drink it over the next 30+ years.

James Suckling (98)

Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony. Hard not to open the bottle now and drink it, but it appears to be closing down now. Needs four to five years to show it all.

Vinous (95+)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is quite primary and in need of time in bottle to show at its best. Inky dark fruit, lavender, menthol, new oak and sweet baking spices are all kicked up a few notches. Rich, plush and enveloping, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity and tons of sheer allure.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Reminding me of a slightly fresher version of the 2013 (which is common for wines from the vintage), the 2016 The Bard checks in as 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Still inky hued, with a gorgeous perfume of blue and black fruits, crushed stone, violets, and graphite, this awesome wine is full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has perfectly ripe tannins, and a solid spine of acidity that keeps the wine surprisingly fresh and lively. This ultra-classic, concentrated, incredibly impressive Cabernet Sauvignon will keep for 30 years or more. While the 2012 and 2015 are in the more opulent style, this is closer in style to the 2013 and 2018.

Vinous (92)

The 2016 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a soft, seductive wine. Silky tannins frame the floral, red and purplish berry fruit nicely. This is one of the more nuanced and delicate wines in the range. In fact, the Bearwallow comes across as a bit hushed today relative to how it showed from barrel. There is plenty to admire in the 2016. Best of all, the Bearwallow should drink well with minimal cellaring.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Lytton Springs is a powerful, dense wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, new leather, cloves, licorice and menthol flesh out. Deep, plush and richly textured, the 2016 Lytton Springs packs a real punch. The 23% Petite Sirah is felt in the wine's darkness and overall gravitas. There is more than enough richness and structure to support many years of fine drinking. What a gorgeous wine this is.

Vinous (98)

One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2016 Monte Bello has turned out just as beautifully as I hoped it would. Soaring aromatics, bright acids and mid-weight structure give the 2016 a super-classic feel. Clearly, the 2016 is very primary today, with plenty of bright red and purplish berry fruit. More than that, though, the 2016 pulses with energy and simply exceptional balance. Don't miss it!