2016 Whitehall Lane Leonardini Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Established in 1979, Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards is a local family-owned and operated winery in Rutherford, one of the most prestigious appellations in Napa Valley. For over 40 years, Whitehall Lane has been dedicated to growing and making premium, world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Estate wines, with Napa Green certified and sustainable In 1993, the Leonardini Family of San Francisco & Saint Helena purchased the Whitehall Lane estate. Winemaking practices have evolved, state-of-the-art technology has been implemented, a new barrel-aging program has been instituted and six additional vineyards have been acquired since the acquisition. Whitehall Lane has developed into a world-class winery. The efforts of the Leonardini Family are evident in the recent run of accolades from wine publications but are even more apparent in the beautifully made, elegant wines that are offered today. 

Jason Moulton is a hands-on winemaker who has trained at several well-regarded wineries including Long Meadow Ranch Winery in St. Helena, Cliff Lede Vineyards in Yountville, and at Brassfield Estate Winery in Lake County. He has had the opportunity to work with renowned winemakers Philippe Melka, David Ramey, and Ashley Heisey.

The grapes are hand-harvesting then carefully destemmed and are fermented in tank. The grapes were cold-soaked for 4-7 days, allowing for increased color, aroma, and flavor extraction. After fermentation and pressing, the wine was sent to 65% new French oak, 35% neutral French oak barrels, aging for 26 months. The final blend for the Leonardini Estate is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot and was bottled unfinned and unfiltered.

Aging: 26 Months in 65% New French Oak

 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot. The 2016 Leonardini Estate is a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon. It begins on the nose with rich, dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bonbons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Its balance and mid-palate are most notable, providing long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. On the palate, it delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche, pencil shavings, and cedar on the finish. Beautiful underlying tannin structure, complexity, and ample fruit will evolve over time and age gracefully for 15-20 years. 

Composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Estate was aged for 26 months in French oak, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, warm cassis, blackberry pie, and mulberries scents slowly unfurl, giving way to nuances of pencil lead, mossy tree bark, and truffles with a waft of cardamom. Full-bodied, the palate is delivering mouth-filling black fruit and compelling tension with a plush texture and a long, savory finish. ~93 Robert Parker

Tons of bright berries and plums with just a hint of bitter chocolate, making this full-bodied yet fresh Napa cabernet sauvignon very impressive. I love the succulence of the long finish. Where is that steak with forest mushrooms? ~92 James Suckling

A broad, fleshy style, with warmed cassis and plum compote flavors, carried by loam and cocoa notes through the finish. A late echo of sage adds range.~92 Wine Spectator

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