Yao Ming 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

NBA star Yao Ming is a huge celebrity in his homeland China. With the tremendous surge in wine drinking in China it was only natural that his next career should be that of a vintner and so Yao Family wines of Napa Valley was started. And what a start! Yao's wines since his first release have received high scores and rave reviews and this latest from the outstanding 2016 vintage is an absolute slam dunk! Fruit was rigorously hand-sorted and fully destemmed to small stainless steel tanks with light crushing. Cold soak 5-7 days and warm fermentation between 85-90°F with native yeasts. The wine aged 18 months in French oak, 65% new barrels and bottled without filtration.

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 92 points saying "Leading off with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Yao Ming, which seems downright cheap compared to the other releases, this is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, aged in 65% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, with a nose of cassis, black raspberry fruits, notes of cedar, lead pencil, and tobacco, it's medium to full-bodied, has solid balance, and enough tannin to keep it drinking nicely for 10-15 years."

and James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "This vibrant blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon with touches of merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot has aromas of violets and cassis, leading to a very rich and plush palate that has a soft and supple, blackberry and plum-flavored finish. Plenty of oak, too. Drink or hold."

and the Wine Advocate scored this 93 points saying "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Yao Ming is blended of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It opens with soothing eucalyptus, rose petal and chocolate box scents over a core of blackcurrant cordial, Black Forest cake and wild blueberries with a touch of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied with a delicately played, beautifully crafted palate, it has a firm line of fine-grained tannins and invigorating freshness lifting the fragrant flavors to a long finish."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 95 points saying "This is a brawny, generous and powerful wine that holds its full-bodied concentration in check, showing a balanced approach to oak and tannin. Black cherry, currant and cocoa powder are accented by toasted oak and a length of black pepper, nutmeg and cedar."