REVIEW: Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2016

Napa Valley, one of the most renowned areas in all the world. Even non-wine drinkers know Napa Valley and how famous it is. One of the top-tier wine producing regions when it comes to status and growth. This wine is particularly nestled in a sub-AVA known as Oakville. Oakville, located in the heart of Napa Valley. This area gets a mix of the warmer northern heat and the cooling fog and breezes that come in from the Bay. Because of that combination, its Cabernet stands out among the valley floor areas like St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville. The wines are definitely ripe and powerful, but they still carry a surprising amount of finesse and energy. Elevation ranges from about 130 to 1000 feet, and the soils shift noticeably as you move across the AVA. The western side is mostly sedimentary gravelly alluvial loam, while the eastern side sits on heavier volcanic material. These soils are fairly deep and hold a moderate amount of water, which helps balance vine stress through the growing season.

The climate is moderately warm, with summer temperatures often reaching the mid 90s, but the strong influence of evening and early morning fog helps preserve acidity and freshness. The eastern side receives more direct afternoon sun, which pushes the wines toward dustier tannins, savory character, and dried fruit tones. Meanwhile, the western hillsides, which are more protected from the late day heat, tend to produce darker, more brooding, and more mineral driven expressions. Annual rainfall sits around 34 to 36 inches, giving the region enough moisture to support healthy vine growth while still encouraging concentration and structure in the fruit. Let's get to the wine!

Name: Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Napa Valley 2016

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2016

ABV: 14.5%

Country: USA

State: California

AVA: Napa Valley

Sub-AVA: Oakville

Clarity: clean, no sediment

Hue: deep garnet red with a ruby rim

Nose: deep, dark brambly fruit like black cherry and blackberry, with notes of cedar, dark chocolate shavings and graphite

Palate: plump black cherry fruit, with strong dark chocolate and firm tannins and some alcohol heat coming through

Body: Full

Acidity: Medium

Finish: heaty finish with some dark chocolate, a little unpleasant I wont lie.

Rating: 89/100

Overall, I think this wine has showed its true aging ability and really proving that it can go a few more years if you have them...although, I will say, it was disappointing to me. The alcohol heaty finish was unpleasant to me and not even day 2 will take that away. I think the wine is good, for someone who likes this style. I appreciate this style of wine, but not my cup of wine.