2016 - Cabernet Sauvignon, Ulysses, Napa Valley

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Bright, powerful and pulsing with energy, the 2016 possesses stunning textural depth allied to a real sense of drive. Black cherry, tobacco, menthol, sage and licorice give this Cabernet from southern Oakville much of its distinctive personality. In this tasting, the 2016 Ulysses simply towers with pedigree and character. I loved it. Although the track record is short, the 2016 is the finest wine Christian Moueix and Tod Mostero have made at Ulysses.

The deeply concentrated and densely colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon needs additional cellaring. While its tannins are ripe and reasonably supple, the flavors need time to unfold—right now, there's a lot of dark chocolate, mocha and rich loamy notes, with black cherries and cassis yet to really blossom. Full-bodied but restrained, elegant and reserved, it's the most Bordeaux-like of these three prior vintages, still in need of additional aging.

Wet winter led to dense canopies. Good flowering. Ripening slowed by cool, fog-prone August. Lots of warmth in the second half of September before harvest 24 September to 1 October. 1,300 cases produced.Deep glowing ruby. Very Cabernet nose. Then rather luscious fruit on the palate and a bit more like conventional Napa than the earthy 2015. A little dry on the end. Quite youthful. (JR)