Ballentine 2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Pocai Vineyard

The 2016 Pocai Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from our best performing section of vineyard. Fermenting some of this wine in barrel and some in stainless steel tanks allowed us to finetune the punchdown regimen and achieve maximum color extraction and tannin structure. The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon was gently handled in the winery, and this wine was aged in 100% new French oak. After aging for almost two years in the cellar, the tannins are big and mature, but with some roundness to them.

In 2016, our Pocai Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon stood out for it exceptional palate weight. The tannins are big and robust with plenty of stuffing in this wine to support those tannins. Raspberries and violets are the first aromas that come out of the wine, and are quickly followed with cherry, cedar, tobacco, cloves, chocolate, and cinnamon. This is a big, rich, robust and brawny wine. The flavor mimics the nose, and has a lingering complexity that we find highly enjoyable. Winemaker Bruce Devlin declares this vintage his favorite Pocai Cabernet Sauvignon to date! This is a very food friendly wine which pairs well with grilled chicken or beef as well as pasta with mushrooms. Drink now through 2033.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 92+ Points

Wine Spectator - 92 Points