96 pts Tim Atkin MW 2019
How do you follow a 100-point red? It’s not easy when the vintage was 2016, which didn’t have the class of 2015. But by any standards, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is still one hell of a wine, even in a difficult year. Grippy, focused and slightly leaner than the 2015, but with savoury tannins and plenty of youthful fruit concentration.
96 pts Vinous Nov 2019 ,The 2016 Paul Sauer is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc matured for 24 months in 100% new oak. It has a supremely well defined bouquet of pure blackberry, boysenberry and violet aromas, the oak seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, perfectly pitched acidity and a caressing texture. This was actually tasted after a fantastic 1994 Paul Sauer was opened the previous night; who is to say that it will not age as well over the next quarter-century? Not only is this a superb wine, but it surely represents one of the best quality-to-price ratios in the world.