The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate comes from a vineyard just outside of Saint Helena and it's always a more structured, masculine wine compared to the Passionnement release. Opulent notes of black fruits, chocolate, smoked earth, and some obvious minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, structured, big-boned Cabernet Sauvignon that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 2-3 decades.

Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaux cuttings, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate features bold notions of crème de cassis, mocha, Black Forest cake and hoisin with hints of chargrill, sautéed herbs and truffles. While generously fruited and full-bodied, the palate reveals beautiful elegance and bags of finesse, displaying super ripe, grainy tannins with great freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. 275 cases produced, to be released in the fall of 2019.

The 2016 Morlet Estate, from the Morlets St. Helena property, is fabulous. Rich, deep and structured, the 2016 possesses tremendous class and pedigree to burn. In this tasting, the Estate stands out for its vertical lift and tannic spine, both of which give it considerable energy. There is so much to like.