OVID Hexameter
Tasting Note
The 2016 growing season began with the steady, cathartic pitter-patter of rain after four years of drought. Budbreak was pushed forward a couple weeks by the new normal – an unusually warm and dry February. But things slowed to a tranquil pace as rain returned and extended into May. A long and leisurely summer provided ample time to carefully consider each vine and farming decision. With a warm push at the end of August, harvest was off to an unhurried start during the last week of September and stretched out into the second week of October.
The unrushed 2016 growing season is fully expressed in this Hexameter bottling. Opulent notes of Rainier cherry, violets, fresh blackberry and plum mingle serenely with aromas of dark chocolate, molasses and pencil shavings. Round and resonant, this wine captures the undeniable deliciousness of this spectacular vintage.
Vintage Data
- Appellation:
Napa Valley - Soil Type:
Hambright soil series - Harvest Dates:
September 23-October 11 - pH Level:
3.83 - Alcohol:
14.8% - Aging:
21 months
Jeb Dunnuck
This full-bodied, absolutely riveting 2016 has ultra-fine tannins, is perfectly balanced, no hard edges, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to describe.
In the same ballpark as the 2015, the 2016 Hexameter (55% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a splash of Merlot) is similarly inky colored and has heavenly notes of black raspberries, cassis, violets, and forest floor. This full-bodied, absolutely riveting 2016 has ultra-fine tannins, is perfectly balanced, no hard edges, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to describe. It’s another legendary wine from this team. Give bottles another 2-3 years and it will knock your socks off over the following 10-15 years.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 55% Cabernet Franc, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Hexameter leaps from the glass with bold Black Forest cake, cassis and redcurrant jelly scents with suggestions of candied violets, pencil lead, oolong tea and cumin seed with a touch of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals loads of red and black fruit layers beautifully laced with exotic spices and floral fragrances, framed by super ripe, super fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long.
Antonio Galloni
Medium in body and gracious, the 2016 screams with varietal Franc and Pritchard Hill character.
The 2016 Hexameter, OVID’s Cabernet Franc-based wine, is superb. Bright, focused and beautifully sculpted, the 2016 has a lot going on. Bright red cherry, raspberry, mocha, mint and wild flowers and espresso soar out of the glass. Medium in body and gracious, the 2016 screams with varietal Franc and Pritchard Hill character.