Perched in the hillside of West Oakville, Futo's estate property showcases the strength of this sub-region within Oakville with Jason Exposto overseeing vineyard management and winemaking. We have been longtime fans of Futo since their first vintage to the public and continue to think this is one of the best producers in Napa Valley despite all the new wineries that have emerged in the last decade. This wine comes from Futo's Oakville estate: six separate vineyard sites at 250 to 500 feet in elevation planted on decomposed sandstone and shale from ancient, uplifted seabed. The 2016 Proprietary Red Estate is blended of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. “Deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly unfurls to offer wonderfully savory notions over a core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and kirsch plus suggestions of tilled soil, fallen leaves and espresso. Medium to full-bodied and built like a brick house, the lithe, muscular fruit is tightly intertwined with loads of mineral and savory nuances plus a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and incredibly layered.” 98+ Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. 658 cases were made.