2016 Newton Vineyard Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon, California, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:  Incredibly concentrated, the 2016 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is bold yet bright with a pronounced licorice finish. The intense violet hue lends well to a nose dominated by red fruit and spice. Pomegranate, sage, thyme, and rosemary blend seamlessly with a subtle mineral quality. TASTING NOTES: Hints of graphite and black truffle with a dark-berry thread on the nose, leading to a full-bodied and flavorful palate that has ample, fleshy dark berries and spiced chocolate. Really impressive drive and clarity here. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling, 95 pts. This sports lots of savory and sassafras notes up front, followed quickly by a burst of raspberry and blackberry puree flavors that extend lengthily through the black tea– and anise-framed finish. Herb details fill in the background at the very end. Best from 2022 through 2035. - Wine Spectator, 94 pts.