Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 100
Vecina vineyard is located in the western foothills of Oakville, just to the south-east of the winery (up on Oakville Grade). Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Vecina slips sensuously out of the glass with gorgeous black cherries, kirsch, wild blueberries and blackcurrant pastilles notes plus suggestions of bouquet garni, pencil lead, tilled earth and underbrush. Full-bodied, taut and packed with ripe, expressive, exquisitely accented black and blue fruits, it has loads of earthy sparks and a compelling fine-grained nature to the firm texture, finishing long and layered. This bright, energetic, incredibly nuanced beauty is built like a brick house and, while approachable in youth, is easily a 50-year wine. I therefore urge readers to wait at least 5-7 years before opening to allow for the myriad of subtle nuances to emerge and offer that “WOW” experience that will reward patience.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2070
Vinous 95+
The 2016 Vecina is long on personality and character. Brooding and powerful in the glass, the 2016 captures all of signatures that make Vine Hill Ranch one of the very finest vineyard sites in all of Napa Valley. Savory and earthy undertones are laced into a core of dark fruit, with hints of chocolate, leather and scorched earth that add to the wine’s virile feel. Vecina is one of the most reticent 2016s I tasted, but I am not overly concerned, as these wines are see longer aging than most and therefore naturally at an earlier stage of their development.