Barlow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga, California

A Tapestry of Passion and Precision: The 2016 Barlow Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Roots Run Deep: At the heart of Barlow Vineyards beats the pulse of a family's enduring dedication to the land they have cherished since 1994. The Smith Family, a blend of talents and passions as diverse as the wines they craft, embodies the essence of a dream realized through the unity of Warren and Jeanne Smith alongside their children Barr and Ann. This harmonious fusion of expertise—spanning salesmanship to botany and geology—has cultivated not just vines but a legacy. Their foray into winemaking, spurred by the encouragement of winemaker Art Finklestein, transitioned from a modest 25-case production for friends to a flourishing endeavor, now producing 1500 cases annually of estate-grown excellence.

The Vintage Vision: The 2016 vintage of Barlow Estate Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from the soils of Calistoga, Napa Valley—a region revered for its wine-growing prowess. This offering is a testament to a year marked by a serendipitous growing season, where winter rains quenched the drought-stricken land and a cooler, prolonged summer nurtured the grapes to perfection. The result is a wine that captivates with its deep purple-black hue, exuding aromas of crushed black cherries, warm blackberries, and a hint of the exotic—cassis with touches of cigar box, menthol, and the delicate fragrance of red roses.

Crafting Excellence:

• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Harvest Date: September 2016
• Aging: 21 months in French Oak
• Alcohol: 14.8%
• Production: 697 cases
• Release Date: October 2019

Sensory Journey:

• Palette: The medium to full-bodied experience is a vibrant tapestry of minted cassis framed by soft, fine-grained tannins, culminating in a beautifully perfumed finish.
• Awards: Adorned with accolades, including a Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and high praise from The Wine Advocate (93 points), James Suckling (92 points), and Antonio Galloni (92+ points), this vintage is recognized for its vibrant core of blueberries and cassis, wrapped in the embrace of fresh tannins.

Continuing the Legacy: Today, as the vineyard steps into the future under the stewardship of the next generation, Alyssa and Zachary Smith blend their inherited passion for science and marketing with the art of winemaking. Their dedication ensures that each bottle of Barlow Vineyard wine encapsulates the essence of Napa Valley and the spirit of a family united in their love for the land.

Barlow Vineyards' 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is more than a wine; it celebrates heritage, reflects meticulous care, and promises the vineyard's bright future. This vintage invites connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike to explore the depth of Napa Valley's terroir, interpreted through the lens of a family's journey from vine to wine—a journey marked by passion, precision, and the pursuit of excellence.