2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is a very good wine, but some of the nuances that make Volcanic Hill so distinctive are presently masked by copious new French oak. Aeration brings out the wine's natural energy and drive, along with a host of savory and mineral notes that add complexity. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried cherry, licorice and anise open up with time in the glass. The 2016 is very, very good, but not as expressive of site as it can be - or should be, in my view.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is blended of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with exuberant black cherry cordial, plum preserves and blueberry pie notions with touches of dark chocolate, cinnamon stick, cloves, camphor and candied violets. Full-bodied, the palate is decadently fruited with black and blue berry layers, framed by firm yet plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with wonderfully long-lasting, opulent baking spice nuances.
Blackberries and blueberries with pine nuts and ink. Wet earth and fresh mushrooms. Full body with a vortex of fruit that just squeezes through at the finish. Ripe and polished tannins. Extremely long. Needs four to five years of bottle age. Try after 2023.
About the producer
Diamond Creek, Napa’s first single-vineyard Cabernet estate, has defined terroir-driven winemaking since 1968. Founded by Al and Boots Brounstein, the winery pioneered site-specific Cabernet, producing age-worthy wines from Gravelly Meadow, Red Rock Terrace and Volcanic Hill.