2016 Ovid “Hexameter” Bordeaux Blend 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.
WA98 Blended of 55% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Hexameter leaps from the glass with bold Black Forest cake, cassis and redcurrant jelly scents with suggestions of candied violets, pencil lead, oolong tea and cumin seed with a touch of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals loads of red and black fruit layers beautifully laced with exotic spices and floral fragrances, framed by super ripe, super fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long.
“With the Cabernet Franc being so beautiful, it was hard for us to ignore,” said Ovid’s winemaker, Austin Peterson, of the winery’s concept behind the creation of Hexameter. In 2006 Ovid was mainly Cabernet Franc; after that it was decided that in exceptional years for the grape, they would make Hexameter. “Hexameter is another expression of the estate,” Peterson says. “Both Ovid and Hexameter express the site in very compelling ways.”

A pristine property high on Pritchard Hill producing tiny amounts of coveted wines. 5 years waitlist to access the mailing list and only a handful of wholesale partners worldwide.
Interesting detail: the labels are printed on a 300+ year Guttenberg Press and they are stunning! In fact, everything about this Estate has this level of meticulous attention level to it.

Austin Peterson brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to his position as head winemaker at OVID. Peterson grew up in northern California, immersed in the culture and business of wine, as the son of a winemaker. While studying enology at UC Davis, Peterson financed his education by making and selling his own wine. He began working at OVID in 2006 as Enologist, having already compiled an impressive resume that included winery positions in Napa, Sonoma, Bordeaux, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
Peterson’s love of travel has exposed him to a wide array of winemaking ideas, philosophies and techniques. In 2010, Austin Peterson was appointed to the position of Winemaker at OVID. His distinctive combination of innovative thinking and broad perspective is an essential component of OVID’s continual pursuit of winemaking excellence.