Hilary Goldschmidt 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Charming Creek, Oakville, Napa Valley

Named for Nick Goldschmidt's youngest daughter, this Cab has an amazing pedigree. Planted in 1980 Charming Creek vineyard, in the heart of Oakville was once sourced for an iconic proprietary blend. Robert Mondavi's vineyards are next door as are Nickel & Nickel vineyards. This is about as prime a location as it gets in Napa Valley. Good draining, gravelly Oakville soils lead to low yields and bold, expressive flavors.


The old Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon vines here give perfumed aromatics but also silkiness, deep color, power  and richness. Also typical of Clone 7, the wines age very gracefully and show good acidity and structure when older. Leave it to Nick Goldschmidt to track down Cab of this quality. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon hand picked, this wine aged 20 months in 100% tight grained French oak barrels, 25% new.

This wine was awarded a Gold Medal and 93 Points in the San Francisco International Wine Competition. They said  "Concentrated aromas of chocolate and black cherry with notes of cinnamon and hazelnut. Juicy with a silky-smooth texture that builds through the mid-palate.Blackberry and black current flavors are supported with well-integrated oak. Nicely balanced and shows the fresh acidity on the finish."

The Wine Spectator said "It's extremely rare to find Oakville Cabernet of this quality at this price." "punches like the heavyweights". They scored this 93 points saying "A bright and juicy version, with anise and sassafras notes amid a core of lightly mulled currant, blackberry and raspberry fruit. The finish features red and black licorice details and a hint of roasted apple wood. Best from 2021 through 2033. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."