Just about everyone in Napa sees 2016 as one of the great vintages: there were no heat spikes and so vines enjoyed a long, even growing season, with all the grapes picked before October rains. Despite lower yields, Cimarossa’s grapes attained perfect ripeness and tannin development. Besides dark colour, vertical structure and deep richness, this has a striking smoky, mineral component with blueberry and blackberry fruits underneath. Savoury, spicy and silky textured, it’s one of my two favourite vintages - even though it's 15.1% alcohol. 200 cases produced.

Cimarossa means "red hill top" in Italian, which aptly defines this very special hillside vineyard, planted on a volcanic cinder cone. The elevation is 2,100 feet, and the soils are predominately red volcanic rock and dust. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Cimarossa Vineyard gives up cassis, blackberry pie, blueberry tart and earth with notions of spices, camphor, meat and wood smoke. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, the palate is packed with fruit and spices, finishing layered, very long and savory. 211 cases produced.

This is a solid red from here and probably the best I have tasted. Full-bodied and firm with a cylinder of ripe tannins and intense fruit. Lots of spicy and dark-fruit character. Some crushed stones. Dusty texture. Fun and excellent. Drink after 2022.