After the trifecta of warmer-than-average growing seasons between 2013-2015, it was delightful to return to “normal” weather in 2016.  It is a truly fantastic vintage. The only remarkable event was some rain about halfway through our harvest at FIGGINS, which ironically worked in our favor, softening the tannins of the Cabernet (the dominant grape in the blend) in an excellent way. As our Estate Red wine becomes known for its power and long-term aging ability, the 2016 highlights another fantastic characteristic of Figgins Estate Vineyard – much like the 2009 vintage, this wine exhibits immediate approachability and is absolutely delicious upon release. It’s hard for me to believe the 2016 represents our vines in their 13^thleaf, but the high-quality results are really becoming evident as the vineyard gains complexity and class with every passing year.

As always, the wine is densely colored to the rim of the glass. The stunningly fragrant nose of blue fruits, cedar, caramel apple, caramel popcorn, flowering rosemary, clove, dried herbs, and apricots is fascinating and complex. Precise mouthfeel, dense fruit, and soft tannin with incredible freshness are hallmarks of the 2016 FIGGINS Estate Red.