The near-perfect 2016 growing season started early, saw ideal weather conditions throughout and wrapped up as the valley's first significant fall rainstorm arrived on October 14. Thanks to a relatively steady and mild July and August and then a series of warm days at the end of the growing season, vineyards were able to progress to perfect ripeness. Wines from the 2016 vintage are now quietly developing in cellars throughout Napa Valley and vintners are pinching themselves and smiling for the gift it appears Mother Nature has given them: a fifth consecutive vintage of stellar quality Napa Valley wines.

Sourced from the volcanic soils of Block I2B in the Stagecoach Vineyard this Cabernet Sauvignon from Llamas Family is utterly brilliant. It instantly begins with absolutely stunning aromatics of ripe blackberries and red currants which are laced with pencil lead, savory herbs, spring florals, dusty minerals, leather, tobacco and underlying hints of sweet molasses. On the palate this is medium-plus to full-bodied, with beautiful, fine polished tannins and remarkable overall balance and concentration. Displaying striking purity and freshness, this fabulous Cabernet goes on to thoroughly impress all the way through the long supple finish. While this is nothing short of simply outstanding now, it also has the potential to age gracefully for years to come.