Beaulieu Vineyard

2016 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

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2016 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Beaulieu Vineyard

2016 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

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750mL

This very limited bottling of the 2016 vintage Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, demonstrates the unique characteristics of wine made from vines planted to this single, outstanding clone during this exceptional 2016 vintage. A deep purple saturated hue, this Cabernet Sauvignon’s intense aromas and generous, fruit flavors are full to the brim with layers of juicy blackberry, dark plum and black licorice, woven in to the warmed baking spice notes of nutmeg, anise and clove alongside subtle brambly or savage (hence the grape's name) wild herb bay leaf, mocha and sarsaparilla notes on the lengthy, mouthwatering finish. The wine is vibrant and balanced, with beautiful lifted acidity interwoven into a Cabernet of great intensity. Full, focused and rich flavors are supported by firm, yet supple, tannins that are nicely balanced with the oak spice from new French oak barrels. While enjoyable now, this wine will continue to develop complexity in the bottle and will age well for another 20+ years when stored at ideal cellar temperatures.
95 pts
“A refined red, showing very polished tannins with sweet berries and hints of flowers and fresh herbs. Medium-to full-bodied, racy and refined. Hints of new wood. Reserved and focused. Drink or hold.”
James Suckling, February 2020
95+ pts
“Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 4 displays a deep garnet-purple color and classic notes of crème de cassis, baked plums, cedar chest and pencil lead with hints of mocha, clove oil, menthol and beef drippings. The medium to full-bodied palate has fantastic harmony and depth, featuring layers of blackcurrant and blackberry preserves with a solid frame of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and oh-so-spicy. 635 cases were made.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate

Technical info

Alcohol 14.0%
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation Napa Valley

Vintage

<h4>2014 Vintage</h4>The extended drought was beginning to cause real concern as the 2016 growing season kicked off, but some welcomed winter rain hinted at the relief to come. After a relatively dry January we enjoyed significant rainfall in February, along with mild temperatures. Bud break was early, but was slowed by heavy April showers. While still early by historical standards, picking began about a week later than 2015, right around Labor Day, and continued at a leisurely pace, allowing the grapes to reach full flavor maturity. A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter showing of 2015, and the extended mild season helped to balance the acids and add complexity to the layers of flavors. Considered a perfect harvest and a winemaker’s dream vintage, conditions were perfect for producing a Cabernet with beautiful fruit as well as tremendous concentration of flavors, highly saturated color, and layers of complexity.

Vineyard

In 1980, we began a 14-year series of trials in conjunction with UC Davis, to identify Cabernet Sauvignon clones best suited to our Rutherford Bench terroir. Two clones (4 and 6) were ultimately selected for grafting to rootstocks planted in the well-draining, alluvial fan soils of our estate vineyards. As a component of our Georges de Latour and other reserve Cabernet Sauvignons, Clone 4 gives the blend pronounced, lush, full flavors and has softer, more approachable tannins in its youth. Also known as the Mendoza clone, it was identified and isolated in Argentina and then brought to the United States. Known for its larger berries and tighter berry cluster, resulting in a Cabernet with lush, round and opulent style.

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