Though they have long been best known for Chardonnay, Cabernet was the variety Rombauer started with. This 2016 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon is their Napa Valley blend. It includes fruit from the Stags Leap District, Atlas Peak, St. Helena, Calistoga and Rutherford AVAs. Rombauer also produces two other, more focused, regional blends and two vineyard designates.

2016 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 90+ 14.5% 750ml $65

This wine is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and was aged 16 months in 80% new French oak barrels. It’s dark purple in the glass with aromas of blackberry, tangy bing cherry, dry brush, and dark spice. The palate is dry with medium body and very fine, soft, mouth-coating tannins. The flavors of bing cherry, dark spice, oak, manzanita, and dark chocolate are tasty on their own, but will also match up well with grilled filet mignon. Drink now through 2030.

New Rombauer Tasting Room in the Sierra Foothills

The main Rombauer tasting room is located on Silverado Trail in St. Helena. In addition to the wine, guests enjoy one of Napa Valley’s most attractive gardens. And Rombauer is one of the few Napa Valley wineries that allows picnics. (Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

This month though, Rombauer has opened another tasting room, this one in the Sierra Foothills. It’s located in the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley AVA in El Dorado County. Like the Napa Valley tasting room it’s open daily from 10am to 5pm and offers picnic facilities.

In 2010, Rombauer Vineyards purchased a 150-acre vineyard in El Dorado County. The vines, growing at 1,650 feet, include Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Souzao, Avarelhao, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão. Rombauer produces three Zinfandels and a Port-style wine from the property.

Previous coverage of Rombauer Vineyards here

2016 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc is Right for Summer (June 2017)

Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews (Sept. 2016)

Exploring Diversity in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Copyright Fred Swan 2019. Images courtesy of Rombauer Vineyards. All rights reserved.