Freemark Abbey 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Back in 1976 Freemark Abbey Cabernet was one of the winning wines in the famous Judgment in Paris Tasting. It's been a Napa Valley staple for decades and today Freemark Abbey is owned by the Jess Jackson family and has a renewed focus and vitality. Robert Parker just wrote "Freemark Abbey has hit pay dirt big-time, with plenty of terrific offerings that are being released now and early in 2016.

Winemaker Ted Edwards seems to go from strength to strength and readers looking for top-flight Napa wines priced under $50.00 need to check out several of these immediately, as I'm sure they'll be huge crowd-pleasers." This 2016 is 75.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.2% Merlot, 4.0% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were sourced from the Oakville Reach Vineyard, Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain, Stagecoach Vineyard and their estate Bosché and Sycamore Vineyards in Rutherford. The wine was aged in 35% new oak, a mix of French and American, for 27 months.


The Wine Advocate scored this 92 points saying "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley reveals fresh blackberries, blackcurrants and black plums with hints of dark chocolate, menthol and fertile soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers delicious, crunchy black fruits and harmonious structure, finishing softly textured and spicy."

Vinous scored this 93 points saying "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) is powerful, dense and savory, not to mention incredibly expressive. Sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, leather, licorice, chocolate and dried flowers develop in this characterful Cabernet; there is plenty of Rutherford dirt personality as well. This is very nicely done."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine just scored this 94 points saying "This impressive wine possesses just over 16% Merlot and touches of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Using a small percent of new French oak, it offers dusty texture and well-defined flavors of dark cherry, plum, rock and earth. A sweetness of oak doesn't get lost in the overall structure and cohesion."