2016 Helianthus by FUTO Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

JS96 Purity of fruit to this beautiful, young red, offering blackberries, blueberries and hints of flowers. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Subtle softness at the end. Co-fermented blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17 % Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. All about purity. Drink or hold.

JD96 Coming from a single vineyard located off Old Soda Spring Road, the 2016 He-Li-An-Thus offers a complex style in its conifer, bay leaf, cigar wrapper, and bloody black fruits. With obvious minerality, full body, a seamless, elegant texture, and a great finish, drink it any time over the coming 20+ years. 355 cases

WA95 The 2016 Proprietary Red He-Li-An-Thus is composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals energetic blackberries, black cherries and warm plums scents with hints of menthol, lavender and cinnamon stick plus a hint of potpourri. Medium-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid line of ripe, grainy tannins framing the lithe fruit, finishing long and mineral laced. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

VIN94 The 2016 Helianthus is gorgeous. Dark, ample and savory, the 2016 possesses terrific resonance and breadth. Sage, charcoal, menthol, spice, leather and chocolate all run through this plush, super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense mineral underpinnings give the wine its shape and overall feel. Brooding and mysterious in feel, the 2016 is showing beautifully today. This is a fabulous example of the year at its finest.