2016 Grassini Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Grassini Family Vineyards: Tradition Meets Innovation  

Grassini Family Vineyards is more than just a winery; it’s a testament to the dedication and passion that the Grassini family has poured into their land for generations. Located in the Happy Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County, the vineyard is nestled in a valley that benefits from a perfect balance of sun exposure and cool ocean breezes, creating ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Grassini family’s commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices ensures that each grape is a true reflection of its environment. The vineyard is carefully managed to maintain the health of the vines and the integrity of the soil, allowing the natural characteristics of the terroir to shine through in every bottle.

Winemaker Bradley Long, who has been with Grassini Family Vineyards for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the vineyard’s unique terroir. His approach to winemaking is one of minimal intervention, allowing the fruit to express itself fully while guiding the wine through a meticulous aging process that enhances its complexity and depth.

The Unique Terroir of Happy Canyon  

Happy Canyon, located in the easternmost part of the Santa Ynez Valley, is one of Santa Barbara’s most exciting sub-regions for Bordeaux varietals. The area’s warm climate, combined with its rocky, mineral-rich soils, provides the perfect environment for Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive. The diurnal temperature shifts—where warm days give way to cool nights—help to preserve the natural acidity of the grapes while allowing them to ripen fully, resulting in wines that are both balanced and expressive.

The 2016 growing season was particularly favorable in Happy Canyon, with a cool spring that extended the growing period, followed by a warm summer that allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors and deep color. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that is both powerful and elegant, with a structure that promises longevity.

Critical Acclaim and Recognition  

The 2016 Grassini Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon has not gone unnoticed by the wine world. In addition to our tasting panel score of 94, it has received a 93-point rating from Matt Kettmann of Wine Enthusiast, who praised its polished dark-fruit aromas and complex palate. His review highlights the wine’s ability to balance rich fruit flavors with chiseled tannins and ample acidity, making it a standout in the increasingly competitive world of California Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the glass, it displays a clear, garnet color that hints at its depth and maturity. The nose is pronounced and fully developed, offering a complex bouquet of aromas that are both inviting and intriguing.

On the nose, primary aromas of black cherry, black currant, and blackberry dominate, with layers of anise, eucalyptus, and licorice adding complexity. These rich fruit notes are balanced by secondary aromas of oak, which impart a sense of warmth and spice, while tertiary notes of mushroom and tobacco lend an earthy, savory quality that adds depth to the wine’s aromatic profile.

On the palate, the wine is dry with a medium acidity that provides a refreshing counterpoint to its rich, concentrated flavors. The tannins are medium-plus, offering a firm structure that supports the wine’s complex flavor profile. Black cherry and blueberry are the dominant fruit flavors, with the oak providing a backdrop of sweet spice and a hint of vanilla. As the wine opens up, earthy notes of forest floor and a touch of minerality emerge, adding further layers of complexity to the palate.

The alcohol content, at 14.5%, is well-integrated, contributing to the wine’s full-bodied character without overwhelming the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, with the flavors lingering on the palate and inviting another sip.

Serving and Storage  

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving. Decanting will allow the wine to open up, softening the tannins and revealing the full complexity of its aromas and flavors.

This wine has excellent aging potential and can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 2035. Over time, the wine’s tannins will continue to soften, and its flavors will become even more integrated, with the potential for additional layers of complexity to emerge. If storing the wine, keep it in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, ideally between 55–58°F (13–15°C). Proper storage will ensure that the wine develops gracefully over the years, offering an exceptional drinking experience at every stage of its evolution.