FUTOOV|SL Red 2016

Like in previous vintages, this 2016 Estate Red comes from Futo’s two estate vineyards- their Oakville west bench vineyard and their property in the east bench of Stags Leap District. Winemaker and vineyard manager, Jason Exposto, has been working with Futo since the beginning when he was first with David Abreu working to plant this estate. He stayed with the Futo team to become their assistant winemaker with Mark Aubert as the head winemaker and then assumed the role of full-time winemaker while also overseeing the farming. It is very rare that an estate winery of this caliber can have the same person to lead the charge of both arenas. The 2016 is comprised of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. “Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with beautiful scents of candied violets, oolong tea, garrigue and cinnamon stick over a core of plum preserves, wild blueberries and black cherry compote plus a waft of potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a very impressive structure of very ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness framing the densely packed black fruit and spice layers, finishing long.” -Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.