2016 Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon
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This new “Napa Valley” designate label from Caterwaul in fact comes from a vineyard in Pope’s Valley. “It’s very hot there,” winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown mentioned. “In fact, the vines typically go through a period of shutdown. And the area is frequently frosted—at both ends of the season.” Despite these challenges, I was incredibly impressed with this 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, especially at the 50-buck price point. To get a high quality, authentic taste of Napa at this price point is nearly impossible these days! Deep garnet-purple colored, the aromas leap from the glass with vivacious black and red cherries, redcurrants and black raspberry scents followed up by hints of thyme, lavender and rose hip tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is seriously crunchy, packed with lively black and red fruit and a soft, fine-grained texture, finishing with an enticing savory lift. I love it! 300 cases were made.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Moving to the 2016s, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes from Pope Valley and was brought up in 50% new oak. It’s a ripe, full-bodied, expansive 2016 that has tons of character in its blueberry and black raspberry fruits as well as complex notes of orange rind, incense, and exotic spices. With fruit galore, no hard edges, and a beautiful hedonistic vibe, drink it over the coming 10-15 years. Carerwaul is a new collaboration between superstar winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and Matt Hardin from Barbour Vineyard Management. Started in 2014, they produce a Napa Valley Cabernet from Matt’s estate vineyard in Pope Valley and a Regusci Vineyard release from Stags Leap. As Cabernet goes from Napa Valley, these are incredible values that should be snatched up by readers.
Caterwaul's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a gorgeous wine and a stunning value. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, leather and lavender all run through this sumptuous, beautifully ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. This mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon hits all the right notes. And it’s a tremendous value to boot.
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon comes across as quite backward and raw at this stage. Then again, that was the case with the 2015 as well, and yet the wine's potential is evident. In 2016, the malolactic fermentation was late to finish, which undoubtedly adds to an impression of rawness here.