Expressive, complex aromas of black currant, cassis, dried lavender and cocoa powder.  Explosive blue and black fruits immediately entice the palate with a slow building, persistent, fine-grain tannin profile throughout. Ripe black cherry, baking spices, culinary herbs, slow cooked brisket, cocoa on a dusted bonbon. Incredibly integrated, concentrated and powerful, this Cabernet will age well for decades but is incredibly exciting and drinkable upon release.  

III Michaels Esatate, now known as Rancho Pequeno, is located on the Eastern Bench of Oakville.  We love the site because it has great exposure but also cool, heavy soils that help the vines retain natural acidity all the while letting the fruit fully ripen deep, dark, intense flavors.  

95  ||  JEB DUNNUCK

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon III Michaels Estate is a step up yet has a similar level of purity and elegance. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 60% new French oak, this beautiful wine sports a saturated purple color as well as notes of blueberries, toasted spices, dried violets, and hints of savory earth. With medium to full body, subtle background oak, and silky tannins, it can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 15+ years. - Jeb Dunnuck

91  ||  GALLONI

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is powerful, deep and voluptuous. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, spice and espresso meld together in this creamy, expansive Oakville Cabernet. Layered and expressive the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The oak, sometimes an issue with this bottling, is impeccably balanced in 2016. Keith Emerson makes this wine from Bart and Daphne Araujo's Rancho Pequeño vineyard. Drink 2019 - 2026. - Antonio Galloni