2016 D.R. Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon DR II St. Helena Winery

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 92 points

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  1/26/2024 - Yondan wrote: 92 Points

  Red and black fruit, dominated by blueberry and black raspberry. I got some cocoa and spearmint. There was a unique sweet pungent vanilla like fragrance, but it was not from the oak. Cherry overtones. I got some salted sour dough, smooth tanned leather. It was almost like the “play dough” that kids play with. That's meant to be a positive descriptor. It was a very appealing aroma.
  
  The flavors were in line with the aromas. The acidity was medium plus. The tannins were medium plus. The tannins were well structured and inviting, They integrated well with the acidity and the alcohol was resolved.
  
  After an hour the wine developed in the glass and cherry notes were prevalent. There was a slight eucalyptus undertone. The mouthfeel was well rounded. The tannins calmed down a bit and were semi sweet and silky.
  
  The tannins are still dominant and forefront in this vintage: which was common with the 2016 vintage. Although this is a very good wine right now, it will likely benefit from another two years in the bottle before it fully matures. I would drink the 2017 first and even the 2019 Collateral before I go back to the D.R.II 2016.
  
  Overall, a very good wine. Still developing. It’s like a horse race. It’s going to “Place” this year. “Show” next year and “Win” in three years. Anyway you look at it, it a Thoroughbred Stallion!
  A nicely done Hunnicut wine!

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