VINE HILL RANCH Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

(Oakville, Napa Valley, CA) $225

Driving north on Highway 29 in the Napa Valley, as you come around a slight bend approaching the Oakville AVA, there’s Vine Hill Ranch tucked into the rolling hillsides of the Mayacamas right below Harlan. The vineyard always seems idyllic—bathed as it is in gentle sunlight and breezes. Vine Hill Ranch was founded in 1959, and the third generation of the Phillips family now cares for the estate. Originally the family sold grapes to many of the superstar wineries of the Napa Valley. But in 2008 the winery decided to make its own Vine Hill Ranch wine (one can only imagine how sad that made former buyers of the fruit). The 2016 exudes richness and concentration, with loads of spicy/peppery/savory flavors. It’s very supple on the palate, and has a long, cassis-laced finish.