Too many
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon suffer from a character flaw: they want to be big,
bold, and brash. But Napa Cabs that assault you are just that: assaulting.
Then, Newton walks through the door. What’s interesting about the 2016 Newton
Cabernet Sauvignon is that it provides all the Cabernet qualities you want but
in a much more subtle and subdued package. The oak treatment is not nearly as
obvious, the fruit is more restrained yet a little brighter. It’s a big Napa
Cabernet without being a big Napa Cabernet. To put it in a theatrical
perspective; many Napa Cabs act like Jack Nicholson busting down the bathroom
door with an ax in The Shining. Big,
bold, brash. Certainly entertaining. But Newton is a Cabernet that is far more
nuanced - not Jack Nicholson, but Tom Hanks tapping on the bathroom door with a
pen, slipping a note under it.
The 2016
offers beautiful notes of huckleberry, blackberry black cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry.
Pulling fruit from three distinct sources – Spring Mtn., Yountville, and Mt.
Veeder, this is comprised mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon with less than 6% of
Petite Verdot and Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Eschewing a big oaky style
this had a mere 14 months of oak aging with just 15% new French oak. That it is
unfiltered adds to its quiet generosity.
ORIGIN:
Napa Valley,
California
ALCOHOL: 14%
PRICE: $59/ 750ML
SCORE: 94 POINTS
