2016 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2016 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from several vineyards across two separate AVAs in Washington State: Columbia Valley and Red Mountain. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. They were then hand-harvested over several early mornings in late October, with the final pick on October 27th, 2016. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and then fermented in either concrete (95%) or stainless steel (5%) tanks. Using only the free-run wine, it was then moved to custom French oak barrels for 26 months of cellaring. After nearly 50 individual evaluations by our winemaking team, only 10 barrels were selected and bottled, without fining or filtration, on January 23rd, 2019. These 10 barrels resulted in 214 cases.Bottle: $80
Shop
"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is all varietal and spent 26 months in 60% new French oak. This deep purple-colored effort is a sexy Cabernet that has loads of black and blue fruits, plenty of background graphite and chocolaty oak, medium to full body, and remarkable purity of fruit. It shows more tannic grip with time in the glass, but it’s all about upfront, pure, supple, seamless fruit. Its one of the finest Cabernets I’ve tasted from this estate."
93 points - Jeb Dunncuk, jebdunnuck.com
Tasting Notes
A bold and modern nose with abundant baking spices and fresh charcuterie, as well as plentiful sweet berries. The palate has a sleek, smooth and fluid core of fresh blueberries, cherries and plums.
Scores & Reviews
"A bold and modern nose with abundant baking spices and fresh charcuterie, as well as plentiful sweet berries. The palate has a sleek, smooth and fluid core of fresh blueberries, cherries and plums. Smoothly delivered, long and full of charm. Drink in the next six years."
92 points - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
"Cellar Selection. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope and Hedges Estate on Red Mountain. All free-run juice fermented in concrete and stainless steel, it features aromas lifted by notes of bittersweet chocolate, coffee, black raspberry, green pepper, cardamom, licorice, plum and scorched earth. The palate is rich and creamy in feel, showing impressive balance and length. Vanilla notes linger on the finish. It's a hedonistic offering of the variety. The oak shows a bit prominently at present. Give it some time to settle in. Best after 2022."
92 points - Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
"Immediately impressive, the 2016 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shines with depth and concentration in the glass. It bursts from the glass with aromas of dark plum, juicy blackberry, dusty cherry and complex oak tones of vanilla, cinnamon and cardamom that fight for your attention on the nose. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, robust and generous with layered and complex fruit flavors, showing an impeccably balanced structure. The wine emanates bountiful flavors of blackberry, cinnamon and mocha on the long, drawn-out finish."
92 points - Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
Wine Facts
Vineyard Appellations:
Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
Vineyard(s):
Dionysus, Stillwater Creek, Canyons Estate
Varietal Composition:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification:
Fermented in 95% concrete, 5% stainless steel. Aged for 26 months in 60% new French oak.
Alcohol:
15.3%
Cases Produced:
234
Drinkability:
Now - 2030
Trade Materials
Download:
2016 Tenor Cab Sauv - Tech Sheet
Additional Information about this Vintage
Harvest & Farming Practices: In most of these vineyards, we farm with vertical shoot positioning and extensive leafing on the eastside of the vine. Tonnage is controlled via surface area in each block, and tons per acre tends to vary between just under 3 tons/acre and just over 3.5/acre, depending on the vineyard.
Vintage Weather overview: A beautiful start to the growing season, with little rain and temperatures in the low 70's. May was a bit warmer in the first couple weeks with temperatures in the mid 80's, but overall the month was moderate and ideal for growth. June was bracketed by hot weeks with our first 100+ degree temperatures and minor amounts of precipitation. July was remarkably steady with temperatures staying in the 80's for most of the month. August was ideal for phenolic development with only 1 week of temperatures at or above 95 degrees, although the nights were relatively warm allowing a lot of acid consumption in the vineyards. A picture-perfect September and even some days in the low to mid 80's at the end of the month. October was a struggle with reasonable temperatures but a lot of rain. The key was to be picked out or be very careful picking around the rain trying to get the vintage in.
Want more about the Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon?
Download for your reading pleasure
Explore the Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon Vintages
Explore the Other Tenor Wines
The Tenor Mailing List is the best way to learn about events, receive special invitations, and buy our wines.
