2016 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
This blend of grapes comes from the benchlands of our vineyards in Oakville and Rutherford—including Hill Ranch, which surrounds the Rutherford home of Jack and Dolores Cakebread. Benchlands are the narrow regions that mark the transition from a valley’s floor to steeper mountain slopes. This geographic position offers distinctive soil profiles for good root development, as well as mountain shade that protects grapes from extreme conditions, allowing them to ripen slowly and steadily. Our Benchland Select is a classic Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon expression, with 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. Enjoy with hearty stews, steaks on the grill, or fire-roasted vegetables. Age for another 7 to 10 years.September 30, 2019 – The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 65% of the fruit coming from Vine Hill Ranch. It was aged 22 months in French oak, 61% new. Very deep garnet-purple colored, the nose features very dark, serious, broody fruit notions of blackcurrant cordial, boysenberries and mulberries with nuances of cigar box, fungi, fertile loam and pencil lead plus a touch of tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderfully plush texture with beautifully integrated freshness and a generous black-fruit core, finishing long with some spicy layers coming through.
