2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No.2

Fairchild's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 2 is positively stellar. Ample and full-bodied with tremendous detail for such a big wine, the 2016 is even better from bottle than it was from barrel. Freshly cut flowers, bright red stone fruit and silky tannins are just some of the signatures that inform this magnificent, super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 is mostly fruit from Montagna, with a dollop of grapes from Chang, both on Pritchard Hill.

One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon from the Chang and Montagna vineyards aged for 20 months in 100% new 225-liter French oak barrels, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 2 is deep garnet-purple colored and reveals exuberant notions of crushed blueberries, warm plums, crème de cassis and unsmoked cigars with touches of new leather, yeast extract and cedar chest plus a hint of black olives. Big, concentrated and totally seductive in the mouth, it has a firm, velvety texture and just enough freshness to support the generous fruit, finishing with tons of layers. 520 cases produced.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 2 is big, ample and resonant, with huge palate density and weight. Dark, powerful and weight, the 2016 has the potential to be even better than the 2015. Chocolate, mocha, lavender and dark cherry wrap around the silky finish. The No. 2 has a slightly redder profile than the other wines in the range, along with the typical underpinnings of Pritchard Hill minerality that give the wine its drive. The 2016 is shaping up to be magnificent.