2016 OVID ‘Hexameter’ Proprietary Red Napa Valley

JD99 In the same ballpark as the 2015, the 2016 Hexameter (55% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a splash of Merlot) is similarly inky colored and has heavenly notes of black raspberries, cassis, violets, and forest floor. This full-bodied, absolutely riveting 2016 has ultra-fine tannins, is perfectly balanced, no hard edges, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to describe. It’s another legendary wine from this team. Give bottles another 2-3 years and it will knock your socks off over the following 10-15 years.

JS96 A blend focused on cabernet franc, this wine opens broad and ripe in aroma with hints of bay leaf and oak char, followed by native herbs and deep black cherry flavors. Layered, balanced, firm in texture but drinkable and enjoyable.

WA94 The 2016 Hexameter—55% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot—features attractive herbal shadings on the nose, plus hints of crushed stone and dried cherries. Full-bodied and concentrated, it concludes with red berries, mocha and some dusty tannins on the long finish. Some of the dessert-like baby fat present in earlier reviews of this wine have melted away, leaving a more classic wine in its wake.