The 2015 was on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2018. Grapes for this 2016 come from the finest vineyard sites in Napa Valley's best appellations, including Sequoia Grove and Tonella Estate vineyards in Rutherford (36%), and select parcels from top growers, including Stagecoach, Morisoli, Lamoreaux, Henry Brothers, Johnson Vineyard, Frediani Vineyard, Healy Vineyard, and Christian Vineyard. All fruit is hand sorted before a 1-2 day cold soak, then fermented in small batches, with pumpovers 2-3 times a day, and malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine matured for 20 months in 60% French oak barrels and 40% American oak barrels.
This was a Gold Medal Winner in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. They said "Deep ruby in color with intense aromas and flavors of blackberry, red and black cherries and currants interwoven with sweet spice, floral and mineral notes. The palate has a big, round, silky arc with smooth tannins, impeccable balance, and a long, flavorful finish. "
The Wine Advocate tasted a barrel sample saying "A barrel sample blended of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple-black in color and features open-knit notions of crushed blueberries, black cherries and red and black currants with suggestions of pencil shavings and tilled soil. Medium to full bodied, the palate gives a great concentration of earth-laced black fruits with a pleasantly chewy finish. 89-91"
Vinous scored this 90 points saying "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is plump, forward and inviting, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. The crème de cassis, lavender and sweet spice flavors are nicely pushed forward in this pretty appellation-level Cabernet from Sequoia Grove."
and Tasting Panel Magazine scored it 93 saying "Deep with smooth texture and mature flavors of rich blackberry and plum; generous, elegant, and classic with length and balance."
Beverage Dynamics Magazine selected this as one of the best wines of 2019. They scored it 96 points saying "This wine was made by one of Napa Valley’s most dependable producers, using grapes from select vineyard sites. Quite dark in the glass, the nose is dominated by focused dark fruits, with hints of spice and oak influence. On the palate, the wine is broad and intense, finishing with elegance and subtle chocolate notes."