Yao Ming
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
The 2016 Yao Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon was soured from a host of Napa Valley vineyards ranging from their bench land site in Yountville to Northern St. Helena. The wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that weighs in at 14.6% alcohol. Classic creme de cassis, red bell pepper, thyme and suggestions of cocoa powder with dusty terroir complete the gorgeous aromatics of the wine. The palate is soft and generous, creating a silky texture and a racy sense of acidity. Black Forest Cake, creme de cassis and mocha flavors all marvelously combine with the bright sense of mentality on the palate. Dense, layered and highly polished, this silky effort will cellar well at least for another fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93
The 2016 Yao Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon was soured from a host of Napa Valley vineyards ranging from their bench land site in Yountville to Northern St. Helena. The wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that weighs in at 14.6% alcohol. Classic creme de cassis, red bell pepper, thyme and suggestions of cocoa powder with dusty terroir complete the gorgeous aromatics of the wine. The palate is soft and generous, creating a silky texture and a racy sense of acidity. Black Forest Cake, creme de cassis and mocha flavors all marvelously combine with the bright sense of mentality on the palate. Dense, layered and highly polished, this silky effort will cellar well at least for another fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93
Pretty complex, needed to decant a bit longer but great wine overall, for 39th bday with Chan’s.
Pretty complex, needed to decant a bit longer but great wine overall, for 39th bday with Chan’s.
Mar 14th, 2021
This is my 4th vertical of this wine. I’ve tried the 09, 13, 14, and now 16.
Upon initial opening I noticed an unpleasant vegetal, green bell pepper note on the nose. It took about 2 hours to blow off, but still noticeable if you look for it. This wine evolves from very young, with cherry and light herbs to dark berries and tobacco. After opening...on the nose: blackberry, Cassis and intense creaminess that fades quickly into intense alcohol. On the tongue: black berries, light cherry, tobacco. Most wines when you say they need time to lay down, it’s usually the structure...tannins are too rough. The structure and tannins are approachable and round but it needs time for the flavors! Cool wine none the less.
This is my 4th vertical of this wine. I’ve tried the 09, 13, 14, and now 16.
Upon initial opening I noticed an unpleasant vegetal, green bell pepper note on the nose. It took about 2 hours to blow off, but still noticeable if you look for it. This wine evolves from very young, with cherry and light herbs to dark berries and tobacco. After opening...on the nose: blackberry, Cassis and intense creaminess that fades quickly into intense alcohol. On the tongue: black berries, light cherry, tobacco. Most wines when you say they need time to lay down, it’s usually the structure...tannins are too rough. The structure and tannins are approachable and round but it needs time for the flavors! Cool wine none the less.
Incredible cab. Had with thanksgiving and it was a total crowd pleaser.
Incredible cab. Had with thanksgiving and it was a total crowd pleaser.
Nov 28th, 2019