94
International Wine Report
The Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a magnificent showing from Frank Family in this vintage. It instantly opens to aromas of ripe dark currants and black cherries are woven together with spices, graphite, savory herbs, floral, loam and a classic dusty character all developing in the glass. Full-bodied with a gorgeous plush texture and layers of ripe dark fruits and crème de cassis flavors enveloping the palate. It continues to impress as it displays incredible balance and concentration as well as wonderful freshness all the way through the long, supple finish. The 2016 is a total success and one of the most compelling releases of the Rutherford Reserve in recent memory. While it is absolutely outstanding today, it should also have a wonderful future, and go on to drink beautifully for well over a decade.
93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Containing a 2% splash of Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is very deep garnet-purple colored and opens with tar, black soil and truffles notes with a core of crème de cassis, stewed plums and baked cherries plus wafts of smoked meats and sautéed herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied with good intensity and depth in the mouth, featuring very fine-grained tannins and a lively finish."
91 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
"Lots of dried fruit, chocolate and violet character to this. A little old-school, but turns linear and fresh. Medium to full body. Drink now."
"Round, rich in fruit and expansive on the palate, the 2016 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon exudes layers of espresso, black fruit, and graphite. Full bodied, it does not hold back in power yet succeeds in finding balance. The structured finish suggests it has potential to age, in the correct cellar conditions, for years to come." - Winery