2016 Scholar’s Gate Member Allocation
The 2016 vintage of Gravel Series Cabernet Sauvignon’s will replace this year’s futures allocation and will be secured with your 25% Gravel member futures savings.
95+ points, Vinous Antonio Galloni
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar’s Gate brings together considerable structure to play off a core of dense, racy fruit. Unctuous and ripe, with superb balance, the Scholar’s Gate captures all the personality of this block on the Rutherford estate.”
– Antonio Galloni, Vinous
95 points, Wine Advocate
“Full-bodied and compelling”
-Wine Advocate
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Source: Northeast portion of the Rutherford Estate
Aging: 21 months in 85% new French oak
Production: 10 barrels
TASTING NOTES
Deep-dark ruby color. This darling of the cellar makes its presence known. The aromatics cannot be contained by the glass as the concentrated flavors of ripe Bing cherry, black currant, and clove spice invite you in. As the wine glides over the palate, rich, dark, fleshly fruits stimulate the senses with notes of red currant, chocolate caramel, and candied fruit layered with brilliant acidity. This is a stunningly complex wine with balance, structure, and silky tannins leading to a long, striking finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now with aging potential through the next 15+ years.
VINTAGE & VINEYARD NOTES
In 2016, bud break in Napa Valley was later for reds than in years past. Consistent rainfall in the winter months and again in early March was a welcome reprieve from the drought experienced in Napa Valley over several previous years.
The soil’s higher moisture content permitted the vines to grow steadily throughout the season without the normal heat spikes in July and August. As a result, the fruit was allowed extra time to ripen on the vine and concentrate flavors. This vintage is one in which Mother Nature has collaborated with the vineyard, giving us leave to make elegant wines with depth and complexity.