SOLD OUT! The 2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic rendition of Napa Cab and one of the finest values being produced in the Oakville district. Recently rated 93 points by Wine Spectator and coming to you at less than 50 bucks per bottle, this comes from the estate’s prime vineyard site.
Nick Goldschmidt’s top Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard sits in the heart of the Oakville district of Napa Valley. This is the same Cabernet sweet spot where “blue chip producers” like Opus One, Silver Oak, Plumpjack, Rudd, and Groth are located. And if you check the prices of those, you’ll quickly see that they start at $75 and go up to $300+. That’s why this is not only one of Oakville’s greatest Cab values, it’s one of Napa’s greatest Cab values. Just 20 six-packs up for grabs. First come, first served!
2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon Charming Creek
93 points Wine Spectator, 95 points Josh Spurling
SOLD OUT
This is an amazing price for such pedigree. From an older site in the heart of the Oakville District, the home of some of Napa’s top and most expensive Cabs, this is a wine that recently blew me away. Boasting incredible balance and class, it flows out of the glass with notes of dark cherry, currant, raspberry, dark chocolate, cedar, peppercorn, and perfectly integrated French oak. Full-bodied and concentrated, but possessing nicely developed tannin and juicy acidity, it’s going to make many Napa Cab lovers jump with joy.
The Oakville district is the heart and soul of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, where the coolness of the south meets up-valley warmth in perfect equilibrium. That’s why Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville so perfectly expresses the essential qualities of the varietal in deep, complex wines that can last for decades. Charming Creek is located on Route 29 just north of Oakville Cross Road, and the site was planted in 1980. The old Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon vines here give perfumed aromatics but also silkiness, deep color, power and richness. Also typical of Clone 7, the wines age very gracefully and show good acidity and structure when older.
Not only does this come from a very special site, it also comes from a nearly perfect Napa Cab vintage. Wine Spectator rated the 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage at 98 points! And they absolutely loved this wine. “A bright and juicy version, with anise and sassafras notes amid a core of lightly mulled currant, blackberry and raspberry fruit. The finish features red and black licorice details and a hint of roasted apple wood. Best from 2021 through 2033. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.”
And for those who want even deeper notes about how this one was crafted, here you go. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested at just 3.9 tons/acre — these low yields result in more concentrated and powerful wines. Aged for 20 months in 100% tight grain (and very expensive) French oak (25% new and 75% 2nd and 3rd use barrels), this one was bottled without fining or filtration. About 3,500 cases were produced.
When I tasted this one a few weeks back, I was floored. And I really believe this one would hold its own against many of its peers that cost 2 to 6 times more. I can’t wait to enjoy a bottle with steak au poivre and roasted potatoes. That’s a pairing that will not disappoint.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville