Cakebread 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Benchland Select, Napa Valley

This blend of grapes comes from the benchlands of Cakebread's vineyards in Oakville and Rutherford—including Hill Ranch, which surrounds the Rutherford home of Jack and Dolores Cakebread. Benchlands are the narrow regions that mark the transition from a valley’s floor to steeper mountain slopes. This geographic position offers distinctive soil profiles for good root development, as well as mountain shade that protects grapes from extreme conditions, allowing them to ripen slowly and steadily. 

The Wine Advocate scored this 95 points saying "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 65% of the fruit coming from Vine Hill Ranch. It was aged 22 months in French oak, 61% new. Very deep garnet-purple colored, the nose features very dark, serious, broody fruit notions of blackcurrant cordial, boysenberries and mulberries with nuances of cigar box, fungi, fertile loam and pencil lead plus a touch of tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderfully plush texture with beautifully integrated freshness and a generous black-fruit core, finishing long with some spicy layers coming through."

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 95 points saying "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select is all Cabernet that spent 22 months in 61% new French oak. It's similarly inky colored and has terrific, flowery blue and black fruits, loads of incense, spice, and tobacco, full body, building tannins, and a great, great finish. It's another thrilling wine from this team that plays with the best of the best."