Starting with the thee blends (The Tempest, Falstaff, and The Bard), the 2016 The Tempest is always a Merlot-dominated release and is 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2016. It comes from multiple sites in the valley and sports a deep purple color as well as a rocking bouquet of plums, chocolate, scorched earth, and spice box, with an alluring mole-like character developing in the glass. It’s deep, rich, and powerful on the palate, yet has a forward, layered style as well as rocking purity, no hard edges, sweet tannins, and a great finish. My money is on it being one of the finest Merlot-dominated blends in the vintage.
