The 2016 Lancaster Estate Winemaker's Cuvee Red Blend is a distinguished wine hailing from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma, California. This North Coast gem, produced by Lancaster Estate, is a proprietary blend that showcases the skillful craftsmanship of its winemakers. Bottled with a cork closure and boasting an alcohol content of 14.95%, this red wine has captured the interest of leading wine critics, earning high praise and excellent reviews.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2016 Winemaker's Cuvee a commendable score of 94 points. The publication's tasting note describes the wine as "medium to deep garnet-purple in color," with an enticing aroma of "cassis, blackberries, and preserved plums." Additional notes of "cedar chest, wood smoke, dried herbs, and tapenade" add complexity, along with a hint of "charcoal." The review highlights the wine's "full-bodied" nature, abundant with "black fruit and wood-inspired flavors." The tannins are described as "ripe" and the wine’s freshness is noteworthy, culminating in a "long" finish. Only 1,978 cases of this vintage were produced, underscoring its exclusivity.
The Tasting Panel Magazine gave the 2016 Winemaker's Cuvee an even higher accolade with a score of 96 points. Their review praises the wine's "lush plum nose" and notes a "rich and dense palate" adorned with flavors of "plum, cherry, and toasty oak." The review commends the meticulous vinification process, which has resulted in a wine that is "succulent, balanced, long, and, above all, delicious." This enthusiastic endorsement speaks to the wine's quality and appeal.
In summary, the 2016 Lancaster Estate Winemaker's Cuvee Red Blend is a well-crafted and highly regarded wine that offers a harmonious blend of rich fruit flavors and complex aromas. Its excellent reviews from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and The Tasting Panel Magazine affirm its status as a standout wine from the Alexander Valley.