2016 Meyer Family 'Le Bon Bon' Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
The Meyer Family 2016 Le Bon Bon is a good old American Cabernet that is polished and elegant. The aromas spring to life with ripe plum and blackberries jumping out of the glass. Sourced from the same vineyard as the Spitfire, but without American Oak. Two years in oak have softened the palate, making this a very approachable Oakville red wine. As with previous vintages we get hints of cardamom and other savory characters. Unlike previous vintages, this wine does not seem to need extra bottle aging to settle down. The 2016 seems surprisingly drinkable for such a young cabernet, making it extremely enjoyable at the moment and an appropriate accompaniment to your next steak.
Having grown up in and around the cellar at Silver Oak, Matt Meyer seemed destined to continue his late father Justin's winemaking vision. After selling their share of the famed Napa winery to their longtime partners, Matt decided to chart his own course in Mendocino's Yorkville Highlands with a focus on Syrah and Port. But as tends to happen with the constant tinkering at small wineries, Matt, along with winemaking help from his Aussie wife Karen and mother Bonny, expanded the lineup to include a few more mainstream offerings, several of which we've selected for your consideration here. Matt is well aware of the legacy he's a part of, and has every intention of keeping the torch lit and held high in the cellar.
Wine Enthusiast
Given 35 months of aging time in new French oak, this balanced wine shows a wealth of elegance in the form of high-toned red fruit, black olive and garrigue. Fresh and lively on the palate, it unwinds slowly, revealing secondary characteristics of black pepper, clove and herbs de Provence. Virginie Boone