2016 Vine Hill Ranch "VHR" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is monumental, as it always has been. I have been fortunate to taste and drink the 2016 many times. It never fails to impress. All the elements are so well balanced. It possesses tremendous power in every dimension. Black cherry, plum, gravel, spice, menthol and licorice add layers to a wine of real gravitas and vibrancy. It's a breathtaking Cabernet that will reward those lucky enough to own it with many years of profound drinking. (AG)” (03/2022)

“The 2016 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is a drop dead stunning wine from the Phillips and their talented team of Mike Wolf and Françoise Peschon. This majestic Cabernet bursts opens to seductive aromas of dark currants, blueberries, spices, graphite, iron, violets and a touch of sage that emerge beautifully from the glass. On the palate this is equally impressive, as it boasts a gorgeous full body that shows incredible depth, with a resonating core or ripe dark fruits that expand beautifully through the long, polished finish. This is one of the most compelling wines from this fabulous vintage, and readers should not hesitate to get their hands on this years exceptional release from VHR. (JD)” (04/2019)

“Sporting a saturated purple color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon VHR is a total blockbuster that spent 21 months in French oak. It knocks it out of the park with its Pauillac-like bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, damp earth, lead pencil shavings, and cedarwood. Hitting the palate with a massive texture and full body, it’s a powerful, full throttle effort that has remarkable balance, ripe tannins, and an opulent, sexy texture that’s a joy to drink. Despite its flamboyant style, it’s perfectly balanced and is a sensational wine. Feel free to drink it any time over the coming 20-25 years. Bravo!” (03/2019)

“Deep garnet-black colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon storms out of the glass with bold notions of chocolate mint, crème de cassis, and plum preserves, plus suggestions of sandalwood, unsmoked cigars, underbrush, and charcuterie. Full-bodied, rich, and plush, the palate is packed with black and blue fruit preserves layers, lifted by a refreshing backbone, and finishing with a lingering minty kick. Aging so gracefully, expect it to cellar and evolve over the next 30 years+. Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 925 cases were made. (LPB) 98+” (08/2022)

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up seductive aromas of brown sugar, mocha and cassis, with slight herbal shadings. It's full-bodied, plushly textured and rich in the mouth, finishing soft and a bit chocolaty. It shows ample concentration and ripeness. A fine representation of the vintage. (JC)” (01/2024)

“A brick house of a wine, with a gorgeously rendered core of warmed cassis, plum reduction and raspberry preserve flavors that drives through. This is flanked by light apple wood, anise and black tea notes, while a graphite spine acts as the ground wire on the finish. Serves up fruit, terroir and grip, all in the proper proportions, and is built to cellar. Best from 2023 through 2038. (JM, Web-2022)” (05/2022)

“This was the first blend in which Block 7 played no part. And fruit from the steep, replanted-in-2012 Block 1 was included for the first time. Deep purplish, blackish crimson. Impenetrable colour. Quite rich and concentrated on the nose with yeast extract plus that graphite/creosote note too. Dense and still pretty dry on the end. Bit tarry on the finish but the overall impression is somehow, amazingly, very pretty. 18+/20 points (JR)” (10/2021)