Woodward Canyon Artists Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (1.5L)

92 WA / 92 WS / 91+ VM

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series is an expressive Cabernet with a tight core of red and black fruit that exudes aromas of red and purple flowers, sweet oak spices, mocha and cinnamon on the nose. The full-bodied palate is rich with a beautiful depth of layers and shines with precision across the mid-palate. The finish is elegant and powerful, long and impressive. Only 863 cases were made, and they are worth every penny!-Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate

Well-knit and delicately spirited, with expressive blackberry, tobacco and spice flavors that persist toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2028. 863 cases made.-Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Deep ruby-red. Aromas of plum, licorice and brushy peppery herbs show an obvious pyrazine character. Inky, medicinal blueberry, blackberry, cassis, menthol and cocoa powder flavors convey a slightly elevated impression of alcohol and some exotic Taransaud oak notes. The tannins are a bit granular but not hard or dry. Mott told me he kept the 2016 Cabernets in barrel five to eight months longer than usual because he wanted to smooth out the somewhat hard edges of their tannins. Incidentally, Woodward Canyon is the second largest owner of vines in Champoux; only Quilceda Creek has more. (14.9% alcohol; mostly from Champoux Vineyard's Baby Poux block but also includes older Champoux plantings from 1981 and 1972 plus some Sagemoor blocks from 1972)-Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media