2016 Reserve Claret

This wine is pure deliciousness. Black cherry, bright red plum, pear skin, saffron, and antique mahogany nuances are just a selection of its complex flavors. On the palate, the wine is opulent, silky and rich with ripe tannins.

Our Reserve Claret is our take on the ultimate expression of merlot. The core of the blend is sourced from our Lower Mountain Top merlot vineyard block, which is perfectly situated on a sloping, south-facing hillside. To this core of merlot, we add enough cabernet sauvignon sourced from our Reserve Cabernet blocks to add weight, length, and structure, as well as a kiss of petit verdot to bring acid and subtle floral notes.

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Appellation: 54% Napa/ 46% Sonoma
Vintage: 2016
Harvest: October 2016
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Cooperage: French Oak
Blend: 68% Merlot
31% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14.4%
Bottling: August 2018
Production: 558 cases
Release Date: March 2019
Release Price: $150.00

Reviews

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  • Jeb Dunnuck: Napa Valley’s 2017s - Rating: 96

    There are just over 500 cases of the 2016 Reserve Claret, a more Merlot-dominated blend that includes 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. It's similarly hued to the Reserve Cabernet and has a terrific perfume of blackcurrants, black cherries, ground herbs, and black tea as well as a whiff of dark chocolate and new saddle leather. This beauty offers a stunning array of full-bodied richness and depth, building yet ripe tannins, notable purity, and a sense of power without heaviness. It is a fabulously complex Bordeaux blend from Napa/Sonoma that will continue drinking beautifully for another 20 years.

  • Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: September 2019 - Rating: 95+

    The 2016 Claret Reserve is made up of 68% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in roughly 50% new oak, with 54% of the fruit from Napa County and 46% from Sonoma County. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly builds on the nose from a foundation of warm cassis, red and black plums, mulberries and fresh blackberries into fragrant potpourri, oolong tea, bouquet garni and forest floor notes with wafts of tapenade and truffles. Full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with bold, expressive black fruits and earthy nuances, framed by firm, ripe, rounded tannins and finishing with great length and depth. 558 cases were made.

  • Wine Spectator: October 2019 - Rating: 92

    This delivers aromas of blueberries, with flavors to match, along with plum tart and cherry pastry notes. Generously spiced midpalate, with a long, caressing finish featuring medium-grained tannins and accents of chocolate mousse. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2023. 558 cases made. — KM

  • Wine Enthusiast: April 2020 - Rating: 92

    Silky rich, this blend of 68% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot offers thick, supple tannin weight around effusive red fruit and subtle spice. Generous in body weight and texture, it melds together seamlessly on the palate, with a lasting touch of toasted oak. VIRGINIE BOONE