Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2016

Since purchasing this historic winery in 2013, the Schottenstein family has installed a new winemaking team and invested in the cellar and vineyards. But winemaking remains staunchly traditional here. In-house winemaker Braiden Albrecht and consulting winemaker Andy Erickson age the wine for 32 to 36 months in mostly neutral oak, beginning with 20 months in large casks and finishing with 12 more months in smaller 225- to 500-liter barrels. An energetic Cabernet built on acidity and minerality as much as tannins and fruit, this red will reward two decades of cellaring. A benchmark in a top Napa Cabernet vintage, this 2016 marks the second straight Top 10 appearance for Mayacamas.

Tasting Note

This distinctive red throws a lot of wild sage, herb and sassafras notes out first, while the core of intense red currant, damson plum and bitter cherry fruit waits its turn. The vibrant structure is built on acidity, pulling everything together through the iron-streaked finish. Should age wonderfully. Best from 2022 through 2040.—James Molesworth