2016 Bevan Cellars, Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

Sugarloaf is a cooler site in south Napa, above a quarry. It usually allows for a longer hang time, often lending a minty or herbal lift to this label. The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is composed of 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. It races out of the glass with gregarious notions of red and black currant preserves, beef drippings and wild sage, plus hints of chocolate box, pencil shavings and raspberry leaves. The blockbuster, full-bodied palate is densely laden with black and red berry layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing with an herbal lift on the finish. 650 cases were produced. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 02/11/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2045

Vinous 96

The 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is built on lifted aromatics and more of a mid-weight sense of structure than is found in the other wines of the range. Sage, creme de cassis, menthol, lavender, mint and dark fruit are all nicely layered. Gracious and light on its feet (that is not a typo), with gorgeous perfume from the Franc, the Proprietary Red is distinctive and incredibly inviting. [Antonio Galloni, 10/01/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2036