2016 Nicholson Jones Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Stag's Leap Steltzner Vineyard

“As a winemaker, my job is to bring out the best qualities that the vines have provided. I don’t seek to make a style of wine but more so to make wine that sings of its place, its history and its uniqueness. That’s my goal as a winemaker, to make wines that are pure expressions of their environment and not mask it. Wines with an identity.” ~Julien Fayard, Winemaker

Welcome to the world of Nicholson Jones—a place where two passionate minds came together to create something of of this world. On one side, you’ve got Julien Fayard, a French-born winemaker with a résumé that reads like a who's who of the wine world, including stints at Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa. On the other, there’s Cal Nicholson, a former marketing guru who traded corporate life for surfing and winemaking. Together, they’ve crafted a wine that’s as rich and complex as the story behind it.

The 2016 Nicholson Jones Cabernet Sauvignon is a product of the extraordinary Steltzner Vineyard. Dick Steltzner defied the odds in 1964, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Stags Leap District when most thought it too cold. He sourced clones from Louis Martini’s vineyard, and history proved him right when Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. A decade later, the winning red at the rematch, the 1972 Clos du Val Cabernet, came from Steltzner’s vineyard. Now, the next generation, with viticulturalist Jim Barbour, tends these historic vines. For years, the family kept most of the fruit for their own wines, but they've now begun sharing it with select winemakers like Julien Fayard.These mature vines yield elegant, complex fruit with rich black aromas, soft tannins, and the distinct earthiness of Stags Leap.

Julien Fayard is the kind of winemaker who brings a little magic to every bottle. Raised in the French Riviera and trained in the world-renowned regions of Bordeaux, he’s got a knack for blending Old World elegance with New World boldness. His experience with legendary wineries like Château Lafite Rothschild has shaped his approach, and it shows in every sip of this Cabernet. The 2015 vintage is a perfect example of his ability to balance power and finesse, delivering a wine that’s both robust and refined.

This isn’t just another Napa Cabernet—it’s a wine with character. Imagine deep, dark fruits like blackcurrant and cherry, layered with hints of spice and a velvety finish that goes on and on. It’s the kind of wine that’s equally at home at a casual dinner or a special occasion, impressing both wine newbies and seasoned aficionados alike.

Every great wine has a story, and the Nicholson Jones Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. It’s a story of vision, determination, and a little bit of daring. Sugarloaf Vineyard was once thought to be too challenging for Cabernet, but like all great stories, this one ends with a triumph. So, here’s to taking risks, breaking the rules, and enjoying every moment along the way.

FYI: Nick Jones’ wines are crafted by Julien at Covert Estate, a top-notch cult winery known for its exclusivity, offering wines mainly through a private mailing list. With prices starting at $200 a bottle... talk about quality!

The 2016 vintage in Napa Valley was absolutely epic! It scored 98 points from Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Vinous Media.The last one said, "The 2016s are aromatically expressive, nuanced and super-finessed. 2016 has the potential to be one of the finer vintages Napa Valley has seen since 2011."

This is the kind of vintage you'll want to save and enjoy later. But guess what? Later is NOW, and after 8 years, it's the perfect time to pop it open and enjoy! 

Aging: 24 months in French oak barrels.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A nose of dark berries meets rich vanilla and spice-laden toasted oak right out of the bottle. After an hour in the glass we begin to see notable delineations of black cherry and cassis followed by overtures of cinnamon, clove, and star anise as well as earthy under pinnings of sous-bois and cacao. Juicy cherry and blackberry drenches the pallet giving up sweet wood and showing lively acid and a notable depth of mineral freshness. A cherry liquor-like mouthfeel and chewy tannins lead to a long complex finish, end capping a flavor profile with significant scope and showing off Stelzner Vineyard’s unique old vines terroir. A long decant will do this bottling justice, displaying a powerful and balanced wine with layers of nuance.

NYR

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