Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
(Napa Valley, California) - [WE 94] [JS 93] [WA 92] [JD 90] [VM 90]

About the Winery:
The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey.

In the years that followed, Freemark Abbey went through a period of several different owners until 1966, when a group of partners purchased the winery. In only their second vintage, their Cabernet was selected to compete in The Judgement at Paris!

For four decades, until 2020, Ted Edwards was the winemaker, and while he is still on staff as winemaker emeritus and participates in various blending trials, day-to-day winemaking is now helmed by Kristy Melton, the winery's second woman winemaker. Since 2006, Freemark Abbey has been part of the Jackson Family Wines (JFW) portfolio.

About this Wine: 
At Freemark Abbey, the twin pillars of its success over many years have been the single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons: Bosché and Sycamore, that have graced its labels since 1970 and 1985, respectively. To create its other Napa Valley red wines, Ted Edwards, Kristy Melton, and their winemaking team currently work with at least 15 additional vineyards. Beyond Rutherford, Freemark Abbey’s story is told through vineyard sites up and down Napa Valley, from Calistoga down to Yountville, and in mountain vineyards on both sides of the valley.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Dark ruby in color, the flavors such as blackberry, boysenberry and Bing cherry dominate with nuances of milk chocolate, chocolate berry truffle dusted with cocoa powder, aromatic cedar and Herbs de Provence. The sweet oak spice is very well integrated, adding to the overall complexity. The body is very full, with a soft entry, coupled with dark cherry flavors that develop from start to finish. With great texture, integrated tannins, and pleasant mouth feel, this cabernet is full bodied, rich and opulent. In one word.... delicious.

Grape Composition:  75.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.2% Merlot, 4.0% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Vineyard Composition: The grapes were sourced from the Oakville Reach Vineyard, Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain, Stagecoach Vineyard and their estate Bosché and Sycamore Vineyards in Rutherford. 

Aging: The wine was aged in 35% new oak, a mix of French and American, for 27 months.

Ratings & Reviews:

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This impressive wine possesses just over 16% Merlot and touches of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Using a small percentage of new French oak, it offers dusty texture and well-defined flavors of dark cherry, plum, rock and earth. A sweetness of oak doesn't get lost in the overall structure and cohesion." – Virginia Boone (Jul 2020)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of blueberries, currants and flowers follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Shows some hazelnut and walnut undertones. Very fine-toned. Drink or hold." (Jan 2020)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley reveals fresh blackberries, blackcurrants and black plums with hints of dark chocolate, menthol and fertile soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers delicious, crunchy black fruits and harmonious structure, finishing softly textured and spicy. 36,588 cases were made." – LBP (Sep 2019)

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The largest production release is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. It's 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, all of which spent 27 months in 35% French oak. It's a soft, elegant red with pretty black cherry, raspberry, toasted spice, and tobacco notes as well as a medium-bodied, silky, polished style. It's nicely balanced, has present tannins, and a great finish." (Jan 2020)

90 Points – Vinous Media:
"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is plump, juicy and forward – all characteristics that make it a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Sweet black cherry, plum, new oak, spice, new leather and coffee notes are all pushed forward in this mid-weight, succulent and highly appealing Cabernet." – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2020)