The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso has a deep ruby-purple color. The nose is flamboyantly scented of crème de cassis, wild blackberries, baked plum, blackcurrant bud, dried herbs, leather and graphite. Full-bodied, dense and powerful, it's very tightly wound, with firm, grainy tannins and juicy acidity to lift, finishing long. Give this another couple of years in bottle. 232 cases were made.

Judging from these barrel samples, the 2014 and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso should very well eclipse the outstanding 2013. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso has a gorgeous perfume of violets, red currants and lavender, lifting the black fruits and baking spices core. Incredibly intense, elegant and very finely structured in the mouth, I can’t wait to see this beauty in bottle!

Judging from these barrel samples, the 2014 and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso should very well eclipse the outstanding 2013. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso has a beguiling nose of exotic spices and black berry preserves with hints of sandalwood and potpourri. The ripeness of the tannins go a long way in elevating this rich, concentrated multi-layered beauty, with a finish that just goes on and on. One to watch!

The barrel sample of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard, which almost has identical numbers in terms of alcohol (14.8%, and pH of 3.66), offers slightly bluer, blacker fruits and seems to be a tad richer and fuller – but the differences are marginal. This is a full-bodied, promising wine that probably should be laid down for 3-4 years and drunk over the following 25-30. This is another superb effort from this iconic site and highly recommended.

The barrel sample of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard, which almost has identical numbers in terms of alcohol (14.8%, and pH of 3.66), offers slightly bluer, blacker fruits and seems to be a tad richer and fuller – but the differences are marginal. This is a full-bodied, promising wine that probably should be laid down for 3-4 years and drunk over the following 25-30. This is another superb effort from this iconic site and highly recommended.