Volker Eisele Family, Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016

Volker Eisele Family Estate, tucked into the cooler reaches of Napa’s Chiles Valley, has long been a hidden gem for elegant, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Their organically farmed vineyards, planted at higher elevations, yield wines with both richness and lift, avoiding the overripe tendencies of warmer valley floor sites. The 2016 vintage, a near-perfect growing season, resulted in a beautifully structured Cabernet with depth, freshness, and long-term aging potential.

Cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry form the core, layered with graphite, cedar, and a touch of bay leaf. The tannins are firm yet refined, supporting the wine’s concentration without overshadowing its balance. While already showing impressive complexity with a long decant, this is a Cabernet that will only improve over the next decade. A natural fit for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or simply an evening dedicated to savoring Napa’s more restrained, classically styled side.