2016 Bevan Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Sugarloaf is a cooler site in south Napa, above a quarry. It usually allows for a longer hang time, often lending a minty or herbal lift to this label. The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is composed of 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. It races out of the glass with gregarious notions of red and black currant preserves, beef drippings and wild sage, plus hints of chocolate box, pencil shavings and raspberry leaves. The blockbuster, full-bodied palate is densely laden with black and red berry layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing with an herbal lift on the finish. 650 cases were produced.
Critic scores
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Based on 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was brought up all in new French oak, which has been absorbed beautifully. With terrific intensity in its blue fruits and floral aromatics, this terrific 2016 is full-bodied, powerful, and layered, with ultra-fine tannins that emerge with time in the glass. It has the purity and elegance of the vintage front and center, yet backs it up with both texture and depth. In short, it’s another rock star wine from this estate.
The 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is built on lifted aromatics and more of a mid-weight sense of structure than is found in the other wines of the range. Sage, crème de cassis, menthol, lavender, mint and dark fruit are all nicely layered. Gracious and light on its feet (that is not a typo), with gorgeous perfume from the Franc, the Proprietary Red is distinctive and incredibly inviting. (AG)
The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain is fresh, nuanced and full of potential. The aromatics and fruit are beautifully delineated, while bright acidity gives the wine vibrancy and focus. The 2016 is shaping up to be a real jewel of a wine.