2016 Hundred Acre Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith

the story behind Hundred Acre Vineyard

Hundred Acre is a small estate in Napa Valley that works exclusively with carefully selected Cabernet Sauvignon. The owner applies a strict selection process, using only perfectly ripe fruit. The wines are sourced from vineyards in locations including St. Helena and Howell Mountain. The style is rich, concentrated, and precise, with a strong focus on texture and balance.

The vineyards are situated on warm slopes with cool nights. The soils consist of rock, clay, and volcanic material. This combination of climate and soil produces grapes with high aromatic intensity and firm structure. Hundred Acre is known for minimal intervention in the cellar and a meticulous selection of barrels for the final bottlings.

Wraith's position within Hundred Acre

Wraith is among the estate's most exclusive wines. The cuvée is a blend of top vineyards and is bottled only in years of exceptional quality. The style is deep, layered, and aging-friendly. The 2016 vintage is considered one of the most highly regarded releases of the past decade. Its intensity and complexity immediately draw the eye.

characteristics of Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith 2016

The 2016 Wraith displays a deep garnet color. The nose opens with notes of black cherry, spices, tobacco leaf, herbs of Provence, and a light smokiness. Earth, truffle, and a dark forest floor emerge in the background. The palate is rich and layered, with black fruit, spices, and earthy elements. The tannins are firm yet finely grained. The finish is long and concludes with a fresh red fruit note.

According to The Wine Advocate (source: The Wine Advocate, score 100), the wine displays a complex aroma profile that unfolds layer by layer. The wine critic describes the 2016 Wraith as still youthful, advising it to rest for a few years before it fully develops. The combination of power, depth, and finesse is striking. The recommended drinking period runs from 2027 to well after 2060.

the 2016 vintage in Napa Valley

The 2016 vintage is considered a classic and balanced vintage in Napa Valley. Spring was calm, summer warm without extreme heat, and nights remained cool. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly. The growing season yielded an excellent balance of sugars, acidity, and phenolic ripeness. Harvest took place under ideal conditions. This year's wines display ripeness, structure, and aromatic precision.

vinification and maturation of the Wraith 2016

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. Fermentation takes place in small stainless steel and wooden tanks. The skin maceration is intensive, focused on extracting color and tannins. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak. The barrels are individually graded, and only the finest are used for Wraith.

Maturation refines the tannins and expands the aromatic layers. Despite the use of wood, the fruit remains dominant. The style combines power with elegance and, thanks to its structure, boasts exceptional longevity.

color, smell and taste profile

The deep color emphasizes the wine's concentration. The nose reveals notes of black cherry, forest fruit, herbs, tobacco, and truffle. The palate is rich and complex, with multiple layers that gradually unfold. The tannins are firm yet finely grained. The wine has a long finish with a subtle lift of red fruit. The balance between concentration and freshness makes the wine both elegant and powerful.

storage potential and development

The 2016 Wraith has a very long future. Its structure, intensity, and balance indicate that this wine will continue to age slowly. With a few years of cellaring, it could reveal even more nuance and depth. The wine can easily age for decades. The combination of dark fruit, spices, and earthy notes develops into more complex aromas of tobacco, truffle, and cedar as the wine ages.

Would you like to order Hundred Acre Vineyard wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, near the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith 2016

Ribeye with rosemary goes well with the dark fruit tones and the powerful structure.

Rack of lamb with thyme complements the herbs and earthy complexity of the wine.

Mushroom risotto offers a soft balance alongside the deep tannins and earthy notes.

Roasted portobello with balsamic vinegar enhances the smoky and spicy nuances.

Beef cheek braised in red wine makes a rich combination with Wraith's concentration.

Dark chocolate with sea salt complements the dark fruit aromas and the long finish.