The 2016 Crescere Estate Proprietary Red is a notable entry from Crescere Wines, hailing from the Alexander Valley sub-appellation of Sonoma, California. This red wine is a proprietary blend, primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, indicative of its rich and robust profile. With an alcohol content of 14.9%, it promises a full-bodied experience.
Jeb Dunnuck provides a compelling review of this wine, awarding it an impressive score of 96. He describes it as a "brilliant wine from this estate and winemaker Philippe Melka." The 2016 Proprietary Red is the first release of this particular cuvée, crafted from two distinct blocks of the estate vineyard. Dunnuck notes that while it is currently Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, the blend is expected to evolve into more of a Bordeaux style as more fruit becomes available.
The wine is characterized by its full-bodied structure and backward nature, with abundant black fruits and herbal undertones. Dunnuck highlights its "big mid-palate" and the presence of "no shortage of tannins," suggesting a wine with significant depth and complexity. He advises that the wine would benefit from 3-4 years of bottle aging, indicating its potential for development and maturation over time. The finish is described as "great," rounding out an overall picture of a wine with both immediate appeal and future promise.
This release marks a strong debut for this cuvée, showcasing the skill of both the vineyard and its winemaker. For those interested in exploring a robust and structured Californian red with aging potential, the 2016 Crescere Estate Proprietary Red is a compelling choice.