96pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A barrel sample produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, 56% from Clone 7 and 44% from Clone 191, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sleeping Lady Vineyard gives up vibrant black currant, blackberries and violets notions with hints of black soil, roses and cigar box. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with firm, grainy tannins and loads of earthy/mineral layers, finishing long and perfumed. It is anticipated that 437 cases will be made.

96pts The Wine Independent

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet with a hint of purple. It is closed to being and needs some time and swirling to reveal blackcurrant cordial, baked black plums, and boysenberry scents, plus touches of cedar, underbrush, and cardamom. Full-bodied, concentrated, and yet with compelling freshness, the palate is framed by ripe, rounded tannins, finishing long and light on its feet.

96pts Wine Enthusiast

A tiny production from winemaker Chris Phelps of Inglenook, this wine is softly round and richly structured, with a backbone of silky tannin and integrated oak. Black cherry and toffee mocha stand out most prominently around savory characteristics of sage, graphite and pencil. This is a lovely, elegant and 100% varietal wine. (VB)

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

From an up-and-coming vineyard that’s producing some spectacular wines these days, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sleeping Lady Vineyard offers terrific crème de cassis, violets, graphite, and tobacco notes as well as a full-bodied, seamless, impeccably balanced style on the palate. It shows the purity and elegance of the vintage yet has plenty of oomph.

94pts Vinous

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sleeping Lady Vineyard is pliant, succulent and super-inviting. Dark cherry, plum, lavender and sweet spice notes are all given an extra kick of plushness in a gracious, silky Cabernet that captures the essence of Sleeping Lady. The purity of the fruit alone is striking. Perfumed, suave and wonderfully detailed, the 2016 is exquisitely beautiful. When I think of reference-point wines from Sleeping Lady, Chris Phelps' Cabernet is very often on top of my mind. (AG)

93pts Wine Spectator

Dense and slightly chewy in feel, with intense black currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors supported by a tarry spine and rumbling through a ganache- and roasted alder–accented finish. Not shy on heft.

Winemaker Notes

Dark ruby in color, the 2016 Ad Vivum leads with dazzling aromas of cassis, violets and wild fennel. Texturally, the wine is fresh and silky, with an underlying core of dense tannic structure that adds both tension and balance. A timeless expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the best recent Napa vintages, the 2016 will drink now through 2050.

Winemaker : Chris Phelps