2016 Zeitgeist Cabernet Sauvignon

Checking in as a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc from a number of top vineyards in the valley, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley spent 22 months in oak prior to bottling. In the running for one of the top Cabernets for under 100 dollars, this beauty has fabulous purity and elegance as well as a complex style in its sweet black fruits, licorice, spice, and subtle oak. Sort, forward, and ready to go, it should nevertheless cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Then again, that should not be entirely surprising given that Zeitgeist pulls fruit from Sleeping Lady, Farella and Lewelling for this bottling. Dark, powerful and ample, the 2016 speaks with the voice of distinction. Black cherry, smoke, licorice, scorched earth and leather add to an impression of gravitas. This is an especially dense, potent wine in its peer group. Give it another year or two in bottle.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc from the Sleeping Lady vineyard (Yountville), Oakville Station vineyard (Oakville), Lewelling vineyard (St. Helena) and Farella vineyard (Coombsville). Deep garnet-purple, it opens with expressive red and black cherries, wild blueberries and lavender with hints of chocolate box and menthol. The palate is full, rich, concentrated, firm and plush with loads of fruit and floral layers, finishing long. 396 cases produced, to be released in the spring of 2019.