Containing a 2% splash of Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is very deep garnet-purple colored and opens with tar, black soil and truffles notes with a core of crème de cassis, stewed plums and baked cherries plus wafts of smoked meats and sautéed herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied with good intensity and depth in the mouth, featuring very fine-grained tannins and a lively finish.

The dark currant and steeped plum fruit is framed by singed alder, dark tobacco and sassafras notes, with a hint of licorice root. Grippy through the finish, offering a tarry edge. A touch brawny overall, but showing good energy. Give this a little time. Best from 2021 through 2032.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Rutherford) is a very pretty, fruity wine to drink now and over the next few years, while the red cherry and plum flavors remain bright. Medium in body, with silky tannins and lovely aromatic presence, the 2016 is very nicely done.