Cakebread - Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Price: $150.00
| Producer | Cakebread |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 04154 |
Cakebread Description
Benchland Select is a special blend of five clones of Cabernet Sauvignon from two superior vineyards in the gently sloping western benchlands of Rutherford and Oakville. These vineyards benefit from cool afternoon shade provided by the Mayacamas Mountains, allowing the grapes to mature at a slow, even pace, and gravelly loam soils affording excellent drainage. Each lot is gently destemmed and fermented separately in small stainless steel tanks designed to maximize color, flavor and tannin extraction. Yeast strains, fermentation temperatures, maceration techniques and barrel aging regimens were specifically tailored to the character of each lot to capture the finest attributes of each vineyard block in the final blend. The blend spent 22 months aging in French oak barrels, 61% new, prior to bottling.
HARVEST NOTE
2016 began with the most abundant rainfall we’ve experienced in three decades, which refreshed and revitalized the vines after years of drought. Warm spring temperatures prompted an earlier-than-average budbreak, followed by a relatively cool summer with no heat spikes; these conditions allowed grapes to ripen slowly and steadily, and a warm, dry September helped them develop to full maturity. 2016 is another standout Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, with smaller yields of exceptional quality.
TASTING NOTE
Aromas of bright boysenberry and delicate violets; flavors of ripe blackberry, fig, and hints of dried sage on the palate lead into rich notes of sweet blackberry and dark chocolate over a long finish. Elegant tension between its dense fruit, bright acidity, and firm, supple tannins gives this wine depth and dimension.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy with hearty stews, steaks on the grill, or fire-roasted vegetables.
TECHNICAL DATA
GRAPES: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
PH: 3.73
ACIDITY: 0.64 g/100 ml
ABV: 14.9%
AGING: 22 months aging in French oak barrels, 61% new
POINTS OF DISTINCTION
From two prime benchland vineyards in Rutherford and Oakville
Each lot fermented and matured separately for utmost fruit and terroir expression
Matured 22 months in French oak barrels, 61% new
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select is deep purple-black in color, featuring notes of crème de cassis, asphalt, molten chocolate and licorice with a core of baked plums and blackcurrant cordial. Full-bodied with loads of open-knit black fruit preserves and spicy sparks in the mouth, it has a plush texture and earth-laced finish.
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
Warm and steeped in feel, featuring plum, blackberry and black cherry compote notes, laced with menthol, tar and tobacco details. Reveals a broad, loamy character through the finish, where everything knits nicely. Best from 2021 through 2030. 2,000 cases made. — JM
James Suckling: 92 Points
There’s plenty of toasty, spicy oak on the nose here with crushed violets and ripe dark fruit. The palate follows suit with roasted coffee threaded through sweetly ripe dark-berry flavors. Good length. Let it settle some more and try from 2020.
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