2016 Wallis Seraphim Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Seraphim has really come along nicely since I tasted it last year. The tannins have softened considerably, which in turn allows the fruit to come through. This is an unusually rich, jammy style for Diamond Mountain, and while it would be nice to see a greater sense of place, there is no denying the wine’s beauty. An exotic mélange of raspberry jam, white chocolate, spice and new oak builds as this flamboyant, unapologetically opulent wine shows off its voluptuous curves and inviting personality.

A 100% varietal wine made by Thomas Rivers Brown, this is abundant in baked plum, cassis and dark currant. Firm tannins wrap around the integrated oak and secondary seasonings of black pepper, licorice and pepper, leaving a fresh, floral finish to ponder. Enjoy 2021–2026.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Seraphim opens with arrestingly beautiful, striking aromatics. Graphite, crème de cassis, lavender, licorice are all backed up by huge, imposing tannins. Readers should plan on being patient with the 2016, when it is bottled and eventually sold.

Coming from the Diamond Mountain AVA and brought up in 80% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Seraphim is made by Thomas Rivers Brown and sports a saturated purple color as well as a perfumed, exotic bouquet of blueberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, blood orange, and spice. It’s ripe, sexy, full-bodied, and beautifully textured.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Seraphim opens with cassis, redcurrants, herbs and tilled soil with hints of cigars and hoisin. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good amount of tightly wound, muscular fruit with a firm, chewy frame and savory finish.