VINTAGE NOTES:
The 2016 budbreak was right on time, after several years of early onset; bloom occurred mid-May to early June. Summer brought consistent, moderate weather for optimal development of flavors across all varieties. Our precision timing in the vineyard became crucial during harvest, when we experienced a heat spike in mid-September. Through diligence in the vineyard and follow-through in the cellar, the finished wine shows great strength and aging potential.
WINEMAKING NOTES:
Proprietary Red is a masterful blend of five Bordeaux varietals, each harvested and vinified separately in more than 50 individual lots. Grape clusters were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table where two screens sifted out materials other than grapes, and we removed by hand any fruit that did not pass visual inspection. After gentle de-stemming, individual berries were hand-sorted to ensure that only the best grapes were delivered to the fermentation vessels. The fruit underwent five days of cold maceration and two to six weeks of primary fermentation before gentle basket press. We aged the wine in 85% new French oak barrels for 20 months.
TASTING NOTES:
Our 2016 Proprietary Red opens with clear, vibrant aromas of blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry, with intriguing nuances of cardamom, vanilla, toast and star anise that balance the intense dark fruit. A complex palate of deep blackberry and currant, with undertones of leather, is supported by firm, silky tannins. This wine honors its high elevation mountain vineyards with a rich, succulent body; a hint of dark chocolate mousse distinguishes the lengthy finish.
- COMPOSITION:
- 80% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 9% Merlot
- 5% Cabernet Franc
- 4% Petit Verdot
- 2% Malbec
- ALCOHOL: 15.1%
The 2016 Proprietary Red is fabulous, just as it was from bottle. Silky, supple and also quite structured on the palate, the 2016 is a stunningly beautiful, vivid wine. Dark cherry/plum jam, bittersweet chocolate, rose petal, lavender, spice and menthol build into the huge, unctuous finish. There is so much to like. - Vinous Media 97 Points
A concentrated and essence-like nose of elderberries, blackcurrant compote, peppermint and forest floor, but also hot stones, pressed violets and fresh eucalyptus. So complete and complex on the palate, which is full-bodied and layered with super velvety tannins, wrapping the seamless fruit together. A mouthful of pure silk. Drink in 2025. - James Suckling 96 Points
Bibiana commented that the 2016s are more concentrated than the 2015s, and the 2016 Proprietary Red Blend is a powerhouse and looks to be huge winner. Blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil hints of tobacco leaf flow to a full-bodied, opulent and sexy 2016 that has beautiful mid-palate and density, lots of structure, and awesome purity of fruit. It’s going to need to be forgotten for a decade but will have 3+ decades of longevity. - Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
This offers ripe and showy boysenberry, plum and cassis flavors that roll through atop the polished structure, ending with flashes of warm red licorice, roasted apple wood and sweet tobacco. Not shy, but plenty alluring for the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2030. 3,800 cases made. - Wine Spectator Magazine 94 Points
