2016 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

2016 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

The Grade

Cabernet Sauvignon
Winfield Vineyard
Calistoga 2016

2016 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

Nearly a decade has passed since the fruit for this wine came in, and time has only sharpened its voice. The Grade’s 2016 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a composed, confident expression of Calistoga, shaped by an exceptional vintage and the measured hand of Thomas Rivers Brown. It is a wine that has fully grown into itself, revealing structure and authority.

Winfield Vineyard occupies a rare position in Calistoga, offering a level of definition and consistency more often associated with Napa’s most celebrated sites. Its interplay of elevation, parcel diversity, and natural balance gives the vineyard a pedigree that seasoned Cabernet drinkers immediately recognize and respect.

The 2016 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet now enters a compelling window, where maturity and vitality converge. Its structure remains intact, its energy undiminished, and its expression unmistakably clear. For those who value Cabernet at this stage, it offers the pleasure of readiness today alongside the promise of graceful evolution ahead.

The Grade
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winfield Vineyard
Calistoga 2016
Retails at: $130

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“Coming from the Winfield Vineyard in Calistoga, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is another brilliant wine from the hands of winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. This deep purple-colored effort boasts tons of blueberry and jammy blackberry fruits as well a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet elegant style on the palate. It has the purity of fruit that’s the hallmark of the vintage, ripe, sweet tannins, and no hard edges, and is already hard to resist.”

94 Points

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaUSA

Leto

Exceptional Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint Helena 2016

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

Leto’s 2016 Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon captures the height of artisanal winemaking, blending deep intensity, refined elegance, and steadfast commitment. Drawn from a carefully nurtured micro-block of Cabernet vines—rooted over fifty years ago in the storied soils of Saint Helena—this wine tells a vivid tale of legacy, endurance, and terroir. The ancient, dry-farmed vines yield concentrated fruit, revealing their landscape with striking precision.

Under the skilled hand of veteran winemaker Brad Warner, this distinctive Cabernet matured for 21 months in French oak barrels, followed by a remarkable six-year refinement in bottle. The outcome is mesmerizing: a broad, richly layered bouquet that instantly awakens the senses with its intricate depth.

With only a handful of cases produced, the 2016 Leto Exceptional Selection is a rare and soulful expression that speaks quietly but lingers long. After years of careful rest, it reveals its truth: deep, graceful, and complete. It’s a rare opportunity—to experience a wine not just at its peak but in its prime.

Leto
Exceptional Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint Helena 2016
Retails at: $125

Your Price: $42

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“The precisely shaped and exquisitely balanced Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 begins with an elegant nose filled with black plums, black currants, smooth blue fruits, baking spices, rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. There is a seamless combination of freshly crushed mountain blackberries, kirsch, and light tobacco notes on the palate. The finish is focused, penetrating, balanced, and long, making this wine a truly exceptional selection.”

94 Points

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Covila

Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

Bodegas Covila’s 2016 Gran Reserva Rioja is a masterpiece of careful aging and tradition, a wine that whispers tales of the Rioja Alavesa region with each sip. Our tasting panel was captivated by its exceptional fruit concentration, layered textures, and the elegant dance of sweet spices, cocoa, and dark fruits.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Covila is a boutique winery born from the vision of 22 local families. United by their love for the land and its wines, they have formed a cooperative dedicated to sustainable farming and traditional practices that honor their Basque heritage.

The 2016 Gran Reserva is crafted from grapes meticulously handpicked from vineyards surrounding Laguardia and Lapuebla de Labarca. Following careful vinification, the wine matures gracefully in a curated blend of American and French oak barrels, imparting depth of flavor and structure. It then rests patiently in the cellar for the required five years, followed by an additional four years in the bottle, allowing its complexity to fully unfold.

The 2016 Covila Gran Reserva Rioja is a vibrant expression of the artistry and heritage of Rioja Alavesa, offering a journey through time and tradition with every sip.

Covila
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

Your Price: $38

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“This dark garnet wine offers a nose of pomegranate, olive tapenade and orange zest. Opulent tannins support flavors of cherry, purple fig, cocoa butter, citrus zest and aniseed that evaporate into an enduring finish.”

95 Points

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

The Vineyard House

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2016

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Surrounded by the prestigious names of Harlan Estate, Promontory, and Futo Vineyards, The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon quietly carves out its place among Napa’s elite. The 2016 vintage captures everything I love about world-class Cabernet Sauvignon—layers of vibrant fruit, a remarkable balance of power and finesse, elegance, and expansive flavors, making a clear choice for my list of the top 5 wines of 2024.

Imbued with the artistry of the renowned Philippe Melka and his director of winemaking, Maayan Koschitzky, The Vineyard House’s lineage is a testament to their impeccable craft. Philippe’s mastery has graced esteemed estates like Château Petrus and Haut-Brion and renowned California vineyards such as Caldwell, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, Dalla Valle, Bryant Family, Mastery, and dozens more, instilling confidence in every sip.

While its circle of surrounding wineries command prices ranging to $1700 per bottle, The Vineyard House exudes To-Kalon-esque pedigree at a fraction of the cost. For those seeking the essence of a $500+ Napa wine without the exorbitant price tag, The Vineyard House offers an irresistible solution.

The Vineyard House
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2016
Retails at: $275

Your Price: $199.99

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“The Vineyard House 2016 Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is penetrative and intense on the nose with aromas of bay leaves, sage, blueberry, black currant, game, and crushed rock. The palate has complex flavors of black tea, blackberry, black plum, cinnamon, and dried oregano. The fine-grained tannins and flavor intensity are in perfect harmony together and glide into a decadent, long finish.”

96 Points, #2 WCC’s Top 5 Wines of 2024

2016 Chateau Chantelune Margaux Bordeaux France

2016 Chateau Chantelune Margaux Bordeaux France

with No Comment $40-$50BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU CHANTELUNE

MARGAUX 2016
BORDEAUX, FRANCE

2016 Chateau Chantelune Margaux Bordeaux France

Château Chantelune is a small estate with 40-year-old vines grown at the highest elevation within the Margaux AOC. 

José Sanfin, the director of Château Cantenac Brown, is the proprietor of Château Chantelune, and he focuses on producing the most exceptional quality fruit from his small vineyards.

This classic Right Bank Bordeaux centers on Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Even better, 2016 is considered one of the stand-out vintages of the last decade due to ideal weather conditions.

This vintage produced fruit with incredible structure, depth of flavor, and refined tannins, sculpting a wine that’s drinking beautifully now, with the ability to age.

CHÂTEAU CHANTELUNE
MARGAUX 2016
BORDEAUX, FRANCE

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“Owned by José Sanfins, director of Cantenac Brown, who also owns Haut Médoc property Château du Moulin. Chantelune is a tiny estate, but quality is high. Extremely silky with some lovely caramel and coffee bean notes alongside damson fruit. Here the flavours go all the way through the mid-palate, really making you smile, intense but not overpowering.”

91 Points

2016 Chateua Lavillotte Saint-Estephie Bordeaux

2016 Chateau Lavillotte Saint-Estephie Bordeaux

with No Comment $40-$50BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU LAVILLOTTE

SAINT-ESTÈPHE
BORDEAUX 2016

2016 Chateua Lavillotte Saint-Estephie Bordeaux

Château Lavillotte lies on just under 30 acres of prime vineyard land in the Saint-Estèphe region at the northern end of the Médoc on Bordeaux’s left bank. Characterized by a mix of gravel, clay, and limestone soils that contribute to the complexity of the wines, the region’s terroir is particularly well-suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

Emerging from one of the best vintages in Bordeaux, the favorable 2016 weather brought forth fruit with a remarkable balance of flavor, concentration, deep color, and vibrant acidity. 

Château Lavillotte’s 2016 release is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon softened with 30% Merlot, aged 14 months in oak, and is powerfully elegant and will continue to age eloquently for several more years.

CHÂTEAU LAVILLOTTE
SAINT-ESTÈPHE
BORDEAUX 2016

Your Price: $45

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“The Château Lavillotte 2016 Saint-Estèphe opens with plush notes of plum, black currant, saffron, mushroom, earth, and wet stones. On the palate, the wine has a dense concentration and flavors of black cherry, cassis, black olive, cinnamon, and espresso bean. The persistent, lasting finish cascades from one flavor to the next, with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity.” 

95 Points

2016 Site Ret Blend Larner Vineyard Ballard Canyon

2016 Site Red Blend Larner Vineyard Ballard Canyon

with No Comment $40-$50Central CoastKevin VogtProprietary Red

SITE

RED BLEND
LARNER VINEYARD 2016
BALLARD CANYON

2016 Site Ret Blend Larner Vineyard Ballard Canyon
Jeremy Weintraub is a winemaker and owner of Site Wines. He has experience in winemaking and grape growing in several regions, including Napa, Paso Robles, Central Otago, Tuscany, and Long Island. He sources grapes from three vineyards in Santa Barbara County, crafting his wines according to each particular vintage.
 
The Larner Vineyard in Ballard Canyon is a small AVA about 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The region’s north-to-south orientation in the coastal hills receives little oceanic influence and is much warmer than surrounding areas. This gives the perfect climate for Rhône varietals to thrive.The 2016 Larner Vineyard Red Blend is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier. The Syrah and Viognier were co-fermented in a similar style to red blends from the Rhône, giving brevity and brightness to the final wine.
 
SITE
RED BLEND
LARNER VINEYARD 2016
BALLARD CANYON
Retails at: $50
 
 
 
“The 2016 Red Wine Larner Vineyard is another wine in this range that just dazzles with personality and character. Vibrant inky blue/purplish fruit, grilled herbs, lavender and spice all develop effortlessly. I especially admire the wine’s freshness and energy. The 2016 is a blend of mostly Syrah, with some Grenache and Viognier.”
93 Points
2016 Esprit de Pavie Red Bordeaux

2016 Esprit de Pavie Red Bordeaux

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

ESPRIT de PAVIE

RED BORDEAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2016

2016 Esprit de Pavie Red Bordeaux
Esprit de Pavie made its debut in 2008, created by the visionary Gerard Perse, who is also the owner of world-famous estates such as Chateau Pavie, Chateau Monbousquet, Chateau Pavie-Decesse, and Chateau Bellevue-Mondotte. The wine receives the same care and attention as its illustrious sister properties, ensuring a high-quality level for each bottle produced.
 
Esprit de Pavie arose from southern-facing slopes in the valleys of the Dordogne, characterized by sandy and gravelly foothills, clay hillsides, and a clay-limestone plateau. This classic regional blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon came from one of Bordeaux’s best vintages and spent just the right amount of time maturing in the bottle for more complex flavor development and a softer tannin structure. The wine is a “total charmer,” as Jeb Dunnuck writes, and it’s also an incredible value.
 
ESPRIT de PAVIE
RED BORDEAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2016
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“Extremely aromatic with kir, cherries and flowers. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins. Juicy fruit. So round and inviting now. Drink and enjoy.”
91 Points
2016 Bossert Gundersheimer Riesling Rheinhessen Germany

2016 Bossert Gundersheimer Riesling Rheinhessen Germany

with No Comment $30 and underGermanyKevin VogtRiesling

BOSSERT

GUNDERSHEIMER RIESLING
RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY 2016

2016 Bossert Gundersheimer Riesling Rheinhessen Germany
Driven by a deep passion for their land, the Bossert family has been growing grapes since 1848, passing down their family’s winemaking philosophy to the youngest generation. Philipp and Johanna Bossert proudly represent the winery today after experience gained interning at several prestigious wineries in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. They’ve taken everything learned along the way and poured it into their wines which offer immense value.
 
The Riesling is grown in vineyards surrounding their hometown of Gundersheim and benefits from a rich soil that allows the grapes to mature slowly, reaching full aromatic development. Their 2016 vintage has aged gracefully and offers a wide range of aromatics and flavors with penetrating intensity and expert balance, mimicking many qualities I’d expect from a much more expensive offering.
 
BOSSERT
GUNDERSHEIMER RIESLING
RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY 2016
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Quite a big, rich wine, but with serious elegance and a delicate spiciness that make it hard to resist. There’s nothing superficial about the long, complex finish. Drink now.”
92 Points
2016 Hentley Farm Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley

2016 Hentley Farm Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAustraliaCabernet SauvignonKevin Vogt

HENTLEY FARM

CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
BAROSSA VALLEY 2016

2016 Hentley Farm Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley
Hentley Farm is a quality-driven boutique winery in the rolling hills west of the Barossa Valley, producing terroir-expressive wines from Australia’s uniquely diverse soils. The family vineyards rise from shallow clay over limestone soils on a gentle, east-facing slope that catches the early morning sun, resulting in perfectly ripe fruit and complex flavors.
 
The 2016 growing season received much-needed rain after a dry winter and early spring, followed by consistent, warm temperatures ideal for full ripeness and flavor development. The wine team blended fruit from three Cabernet Sauvignon blocks with premium fruit from the Northwestern part of the valley and vinified by a combination of techniques, including whole bunch addition and extended maceration to ensure a range of complexity and optimal balance.
 
HENTLEY FARM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
BAROSSA VALLEY 2016
Retails at: $28
 
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“Youthful violet. Ripe blackberry, cherry, pipe tobacco and woodsmoke on the powerfully scented nose. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering spice-laced, concentrated black and blue fruit flavors and subtle notes of candied licorice and menthol that build in the glass. Picks up energy with air and finishes on a bitter cherry note, delivering solid thrust, mounting tannins and impressive persistence.”
92 Points