2016 Regan Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains

The 2016 Santa Cruz Mountains Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautifully bold mountain-influenced Cab.  The color is a deep garnet with excellent clarity.  Vibrant aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and black currants are present.  These dark fruit aromas are balanced nicely with smoky/toasty notes of oak, cedar, and tobacco.  On the palate this wine complex with flavors of dark fruit, spice, smoky and sweet oak, earth, licorice, and an elegant floral/potpourri characteristic.  Flavors are ripe and well developed – green vegetal notes that often plague cool-climate Cabs are nowhere to be found.  This Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with firmly structured tannins and a long, full finish.  A touch of Merlot from Regan Vineyards was blended in to contribute bright fruit and acidity and adds to the overall complexity.  Suggested food parings include: meatballs with Bolognese, prime rib, aged sharp cheeses and bittersweet chocolate.