At a glance

Producer

Forman Vineyard

Region

Napa Valley AVA, Napa Valley, California

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Petit Verdot (6%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$45-$60

Tasting profile

Dense blackberry and cassis fruit aromas with hints of cedar, graphite, and tobacco; firm tannins with a slightly austere finish

Evolution: Will develop richer tertiary notes of leather, earth, and spice with softened tannins over the next decade

At peak: A complex, layered profile showing refined fruit and savory nuances with a long, elegant finish

Structure

Acidity

Balanced acidity that supports aging and freshness

Tannins

Firm and well-structured tannins, offering solid backbone for long-term aging

Alcohol

Moderate to slightly elevated alcohol (~14.5%), typical of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Aging potential

20-25 years from vintage, with potential beyond 25 years under optimal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2041

Optimal window

2022 to 2044

Current status

Approaching early drinking window, with structural firmness and aging capacity intact

Current condition

Still evolving with accessible fruit but significant tannic structure and acidity warrant cellaring

The blend's tannic structure, balanced acidity, and high-quality fruit from a premium Napa vintage (2016) underpin its long aging potential. The current firmness will soften by late 2020s, allowing mature flavors to emerge and the wine to reach its full complexity by early to mid 2030s.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and dishes with rich sauces such as mushroom demi-glace or black peppercorn sauce.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and open aromatics, helping the wine unfold its complex bouquet

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Small boutique producer presumed to implement some water conservation and moderate energy use based on Napa regional norms; no specific data on packaging or renewable energy usage

While Forman Vineyard is a smaller estate known for quality, there is limited publicly available information on formal sustainability certifications or detailed eco-practices. The winery likely follows regional best practices typical in Napa but lacks distinct environmental certification which moderates the sustainability score to average.