2016 Chateau Boswell Red Napa
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Moving to the Bordeaux Blends, the 2016 Estate Red Wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 8% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. From a steep hillside vineyard of volcanic soils and aged 18 months in 70% new barrels, it’s a structured, backward, serious red that has lots of blackcurrant fruit as well as terrific intensity in its tobacco, leafy herbs, graphite, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Possessing full-bodied richness, and building tannins, it holds onto a beautiful sense of elegance and balance. I suspect it’s best forgotten for 4-5 years and should keep for 2+ decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bottled in June after spending 18 months in 70% new French oak, the 2016 Estate Proprietary Red (composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot) is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of crème de cassis, warm plums and blueberry compote with touches of cedar chest, Marmite toast and truffles plus a waft of dried herbs. Expressive and full-bodied, it has mouth-filling cassis and plum layers with herb and earth sparks, supported with a solid backbone and finishing with a ripe, grainy texture paving the way. 282 cases produced.
Silky, plush and totally flamboyant, the 2016 Estate Red Wine is another head-turner in the range. Ripeness is pushed to the edge in this deeply resonant wine. The oak comes across as a bit overdone at this early stage.