A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2016 La Place Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the moment we have been waiting for. The introduction of our new single-vineyard Cabernet: La Place. This postage stamp of a site, the size of a small “Place” or town square, is a monopole belonging to and lovingly tended to by Dan Higgins and Maiya Shaw, aided by Jim Barbour and his adept team. The vineyard is adjacent to a number of famous neighbors, tucked against the eastern hills of Napa south of Calistoga and planted in very rocky, well-drained soils. All of this adds up to a wine with huge personality - aromas of blueberry, blackberry pie, darkest chocolate, creme de violet and exotic spice. The palate is extremely fluid with a lush texture and everything in its place, letting the flavors of dark fruit, cocoa, vanilla, minerals and asian spice explode on the sweet, sultry finish.

  • 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1 acre vineyard located on Silverado Trail at Lommel Road, tucked against the hills
  • Extremely rocky and well-drained alluvial soils
  • Clones 8, See, and 4
  • Aged in 100% new French oak for 21 months
  • Unfined & unfiltered
  • 174 cases from 7 barrels

Reviews
Coming from the La Place Vineyard and brought up all in new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon La Place knocks it out of the park with its purity, elegance, and intensity. Giving up a big, beautiful bouquet of crème de cassis, sandalwood, tobacco leaf, and spring flowers, it has a Château Margaux-like elegance, full-bodied richness, and silky tannins. It’s an incredible wine, and even at this price, is a terrific value in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jeb Dunnuck
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January 2019
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98
points
One-hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon La Place Vineyard is deep garnet-purple colored with wonderfully expressive black berries, cassis and black cherries notes with touches of menthol, cedar chest, dried Mediterranean herbs and violets with a waft of pencil lead. Full, rich, concentrated and with fantastic vibrancy, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and loads of herbal sparks, finishing long and perfumed.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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The Wine Advocate
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October 2018
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93+
points