Sanctuary 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley

This is a small production Napa Cab sourced almost entirely from a single vineyard on Rutherford Bench, the most heralded source of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. Stretching three miles from Oakville to Rutherford along the western edge of Route 29, the Rutherford Bench promises a wonderfully long growing season. The soil is dominated by Franciscan marine sedimentary materials, with some volcanic deposits, producing wine with the unique dusty-berry-spicy flavor profile known as "Rutherford Dust." 

Fruit from the Usibelli Vineyard is supplemented with fruit from neighboring vineyards all in the Rutherford Bench region. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the outstanding 2015 vintage this wine was fermented in tank and kept in contact with the skins for 25-28 days, after which the skins were pressed off in a basket press. The wine was then aged in French barrels (72% new) for 13 months before bottling. It shows ripe black cherry aromas and flavors along with black plums, notes of cola, allspice and vanilla. It's lush on the palate, full bodied with polished tannins and a long finish. Drinks beautifully right now with aeration or cellar it for enhanced complexity up to 10+ years. A steal!!