2016 Robert Craig Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain) is suave, silky and super-polished. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, pomegranate and wild flowers give the 2016 a distinctly exotic quality that is hugely appealing. Medium in body and decidedly gracious, the 2016 speaks to finesse above all else. Although a few years in bottle will only help, the Spring Mountain is the most accessible of these 2016s. (AG) 94+

My favorite bottling from Robert Craig in 2016 is the Spring Mountain Cab. This bottling is sourced entirely from the Crowley Vineyard at a towering 2000ft elevation at the top of the mountain. Though this site was originally planted in the late 1800's, the current vines were put in the ground in the early 2000's. The site is farmed biodynamically and almost entirely dry-farmed. The resulting fruit is powerfully concentrated and a pure expression of this very special terroir. The wine itself is classic Spring Mountain; soaring aromatics of crushed flowers and mint, black and blue fruits, wisps of cigar smoke, crushed rock, thyme and spice box. The palate is dense and powerful but very polished and plush. I get the sense that there are some mountain tannins in there somewhere but they're fully enveloped in luxurious, flowing fruit and the whole thing veiled with classy oak tones. Exceptional Napa Valley, mountain grown Cabernet, from a great producer and top vintage, at this price!? Need a seriously good bottle for a gift without breaking the bank? It doesn't get much better than this when you look at quality, prestige and price point.