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2016 ULYSSES

Located along Napa Valley’s Oakville bench, Ulysses Vineyard sits on an alluvial fan at the foot of the Mayacamas Range.

This historic vineyard was part of the original Charles Hopper Ranch in the 1800’s and was purchased by Christian Moueix in 2008.

Since then, Christian and his team have undertaken meticulous vineyard restoration, carefully studying the gravelly clay loam soils and the property’s microclimates. Dry farming, which enhances root depth and resistance to drought, is essential to produce Ulysses, a Cabernet Sauvignon that is a pure reflection of this significant terroir.

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Description

2016 ULYSSES
Oakville – Napa Valley

Ulysses is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of  Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

 

Budbreak: March 20

Bloom: May 9

Veraison: July 21

Harvest Start: September 24

Harvest End: October 1

Yields: 2.5 – 3.2 tons/acre

Bottling: July 2018

Cases Produced: 1300

Release Date: March 2020

WEATHER:

2016 was characterized by a rainy and warmer than average winter. With soil water reserves full, vines quickly grew dense and vigorous canopies. Bloom and veraison unfolded in warm and dry conditions. Ripening slowed down in August because of cooler temperatures and late morning fog. Warm temperatures in September (99oF on 18th, 100oF on 25th, 100oF on 26th) helped fruit to ripen consistently.

Winemaker’s Notes:

Remarkably fresh and full of energy, the Ulysses 2016 offers deep boysenberry, lavender and sage, spruce, rose petals, and wild cherry.  The palate vibrates with fine – grained tannins and along, bracing finish.

 

 

2016  | Tech Sheet | POS | Label | Bottle Shot

 

James Suckling – 99 Points
#8 in James Suckling – Top 100 American Wines of 2018

 Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold.

Vinous 98+ Points

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Bright, powerful and pulsing with energy, the 2016 possesses stunning textural depth allied to a real sense of drive. Black cherry, tobacco, menthol, sage and licorice give this Cabernet from southern Oakville much of its distinctive personality. In this tasting, the 2016 Ulysses simply towers with pedigree and character. I loved it. Although the track record is short, the 2016 is the finest wine Christian Moueix and Tod Mostero have made at Ulysses. — Antonio Galloni Drink 2026 – 2046

Wine Advocate – 95+ Points

The deeply concentrated and densely colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon needs additional cellaring. While its tannins are ripe and reasonably supple, the flavors need time to unfold—right now, there’s a lot of dark chocolate, mocha and rich loamy notes, with black cherries and cassis yet to really blossom. Full-bodied but restrained, elegant and reserved, it’s the most Bordeaux-like of these three prior vintages, still in need of additional aging.

Wine Spectator – 94 Points

This is well-built but stays restrained in style, featuring alluring cassis and blackberry flavors, lined with black tea, minerally iron and warm tobacco accents. A late flash of warm paving stone adds depth and range through the finish. Should put on weight in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2036. —J.M.

Jeb Dunnuck – 93+ Points

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon offers more cool blue fruits, violets, and damp rock-like minerality. Similarly styled on the palate, with medium to full body and a classic structure, it reminds me of a great St. Julien. Still relatively closed and backward, yet with tons of potential, hide bottles for 4-6 years and it should evolve nicely for upwards of two decades.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points

(Napa Valley). With small additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this robust red is herbaceous and earthy in compost and forest floor. Earl Grey tea and red currant continue the savory thread of flavor amidst soft, silky tannins and well-integrated oak. —V.B. abv: 14.5%