Freemark Abbey

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.183 ratings
9.03 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Severn Goodwin

Nose has ripe blackberry, medium roast coffee grounds, tannic black cherry, crushed milk chocolate, sliced red pepper, tanned black leather and ripe plum skin.

Palate has ripe blackberry, plum, milk chocolate chips, mild new oak, black currant and red clay pottery. Mild tannins are becoming integrated. Decanted 6H.

We enjoyed this bottle with mesquite smoked chuck steaks from a local farmer (Kinderhook Farm; Valatie, NY), cooked slow and low. Manage your temperature and you'll never be disappointed, on the grill for almost 25+minutes, but beautifully medium-rare.

FAW is a staple producer in our cellar, but generally I do not touch anything until at least a 10-12Y birthday. A one off bottle purchase from Costco ($40) so that I can check in on bottles we're waiting on.

75.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.2% Merlot, 4.0% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc.
Sourced from Bosché Vineyard, Keyes Vineyard, Oakville Vineyard, Stagecoach Vineyard & Sycamore Vineyard.

++++++

FYI, new-ish trending algorithm on Delectable only pushes wines to the feed which can be purchased through Delectable/Banquet. Kind of a 'fake news' feed of the actual popularity on wines in the platform, but what do I know?! I figured since this bottle 'trended' with no likes as of this commentary, I'd let everyone know. I generally don't drink wines that are available via Banquet registered purveyors, since most of our wines are unique or older. Same with 'Tasting Notes: Weeky Roundup' so be aware. Enjoy this tidbit of knowledge, community. 🤗 My soapbox.

Nose has ripe blackberry, medium roast coffee grounds, tannic black cherry, crushed milk chocolate, sliced red pepper, tanned black leather and ripe plum skin.

Palate has ripe blackberry, plum, milk chocolate chips, mild new oak, black currant and red clay pottery. Mild tannins are becoming integrated. Decanted 6H.

We enjoyed this bottle with mesquite smoked chuck steaks from a local farmer (Kinderhook Farm; Valatie, NY), cooked slow and low. Manage your temperature and you'll never be disappointed, on the grill for almost 25+minutes, but beautifully medium-rare.

FAW is a staple producer in our cellar, but generally I do not touch anything until at least a 10-12Y birthday. A one off bottle purchase from Costco ($40) so that I can check in on bottles we're waiting on.

75.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.2% Merlot, 4.0% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc.
Sourced from Bosché Vineyard, Keyes Vineyard, Oakville Vineyard, Stagecoach Vineyard & Sycamore Vineyard.

++++++

FYI, new-ish trending algorithm on Delectable only pushes wines to the feed which can be purchased through Delectable/Banquet. Kind of a 'fake news' feed of the actual popularity on wines in the platform, but what do I know?! I figured since this bottle 'trended' with no likes as of this commentary, I'd let everyone know. I generally don't drink wines that are available via Banquet registered purveyors, since most of our wines are unique or older. Same with 'Tasting Notes: Weeky Roundup' so be aware. Enjoy this tidbit of knowledge, community. 🤗 My soapbox.

1 person found it helpfulApr 10th, 2021
Delectable Wine

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9.0

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is plump, juicy and forward - all characteristics that make it a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Sweet black cherry, plum, new oak, spice, new leather and coffee notes are all pushed forward in this mid-weight, succulent and highly appealing Cabernet. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2020)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is plump, juicy and forward - all characteristics that make it a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Sweet black cherry, plum, new oak, spice, new leather and coffee notes are all pushed forward in this mid-weight, succulent and highly appealing Cabernet. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2020)

1 person found it helpfulJan 17th, 2020
Paul K
9.3

92-93 2016 style - plush and approachable but not simple. Cherry and tobacco. Has great tannins that should help the other bottles age beautifully. Excited for the future of these!
@James K i might be hurting on our ride tomorrow! 70 miles in last two days and this is too good to keep for later!

92-93 2016 style - plush and approachable but not simple. Cherry and tobacco. Has great tannins that should help the other bottles age beautifully. Excited for the future of these!
@James K i might be hurting on our ride tomorrow! 70 miles in last two days and this is too good to keep for later!

Jul 1st, 2023
Iwan

Nice Napa Cab. Not an overpowering fruit bomb, but a little more restraint. Some green notes - almost as there’s some cab franc in the blend.

Nice Napa Cab. Not an overpowering fruit bomb, but a little more restraint. Some green notes - almost as there’s some cab franc in the blend.

May 24th, 2022
Mike Leapley Jr.

Favorite of all time

Favorite of all time

May 4th, 2022
KD
9.3

Deep purple with good intense notes of black cherries, blackcurrant, cedar and spice on the nose. Full body and beautifully structured with high acidity balancing the big wrapping tannins that become softer mid-palate. In the mouth, ripe black cherries, blackcurrant with earthy, chalky notes with some cedar and a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate in the very long hot, luscious finish. Beautiful wine!

Deep purple with good intense notes of black cherries, blackcurrant, cedar and spice on the nose. Full body and beautifully structured with high acidity balancing the big wrapping tannins that become softer mid-palate. In the mouth, ripe black cherries, blackcurrant with earthy, chalky notes with some cedar and a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate in the very long hot, luscious finish. Beautiful wine!

Dec 10th, 2021
Dawn E.

Short decant on this...super yummy! Presents with plum, dark fruit and cherry, espresso, pencil lead, wet soil and mild vanilla! Great balance, a really solid Bordeaux style blend from Napa..even
young! Definitely need more!

Short decant on this...super yummy! Presents with plum, dark fruit and cherry, espresso, pencil lead, wet soil and mild vanilla! Great balance, a really solid Bordeaux style blend from Napa..even
young! Definitely need more!

Nov 20th, 2021
Sam Maniar

Pretty fantastic. Bordeaux-style blend. Paid $43.99

Pretty fantastic. Bordeaux-style blend. Paid $43.99

Nov 14th, 2021
Tom Kohli

Nice aroma, smooth but lacking taste - nothing special.

Nice aroma, smooth but lacking taste - nothing special.

Nov 5th, 2021
michael robers

Plum nose full bodied smooth dark fruit and earth flavor moderate tannin.

Plum nose full bodied smooth dark fruit and earth flavor moderate tannin.

Jun 23rd, 2021