Ashes & Diamonds, Mountain Cuvee #1 Bates Ranch 2016

The 2016 Bates Ranch Mountain No. 1 is terrific. It is also one of the wines in this range where site and style are very well matched. The blend 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc, co-fermented, works beautifully here. Savory, mineral and tightly wound, the 2016 is going to need time to unwind, but it is undoubtedly very promising. It will be interesting to see what winemaker Diana Snowden-Seysses does with this fruit in future vintages.

- Antonio Galloni 93pts