2016 Sixteen by Twenty Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Once again a very dark color. Dark nose as well…dark, thick, black and red cherry with sweet mixed berries, currants and plum…none of these fruits dominates the other; its just a delightful mix of complexity. Lacquered anise and a tiny nuance of cinnamon toast add to the intrigue. Something about the intense aroma of this wine evokes a primal quest for meat, fire and shelter. There is a pleasing generous feel to this medium weight Cabernet that possesses firm, bracing, toasty oak tinged tannins. The brooding dark fruit marries well with these tannins. There is an intriguing dense, compressed, cool, feel to this wine that flavor wise is dominated by black currant and black cherry flavors with deep smoky anise and hints of bacon fat. The feel is there, the stuffing is there, the complexity of black fruits and dark flavors are there. Intense yes, but approachable.