Oakville, United States · USA
2016 Futo Estate Red
A deeply aromatic, opulent Oakville Cabernet blend that leads with violet, oolong tea, and dark fruit complexity, built at biodynamic low yields for long aging through the 2040s.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region
- Oakville, United States
- Vintage
- 2016
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2028.
Right now: The Futo 2016 Estate Red crossed into its drinking window in 2023 and is now fully accessible in May 2026, having spent the first decade developing the structural complexity that defines Oakville's finest Cabernet-based wines. The nose at ten years old has settled into a beautifully layered aromatic profile where the primary violet and dark fruit character of the 2016 vintage has developed an additional dimension of cigar box, dried herb, and subtle earth. The grainy, ripe tannins have softened considerably from release without losing their defining texture, and the freshness that Wine Advocate noted at the time of original assessment remains vibrantly present in the palate's midpoint. This is an excellent window to experience the wine in full stride. The peak from 2028 to 2044 means there is still significant upside for those willing to give it additional time, but opening a bottle now with two hours of decanting will be a memorable experience.
Tasting Note
Futo's 2016 Estate Red pours a deep garnet-purple of considerable intensity, the color showing the concentration that Oakville's volcanic and alluvial soils deliver when farmed at the obsessive level Futo demands. On the nose, candied violets and oolong tea immediately distinguish this wine from its Oakville peers: alongside these distinctive florals come garrigue, black olives, and cinnamon stick over a foundation of plum preserves, wild blueberry, and black cherry compote with a drift of potpourri. The aromatic profile is layered, with each successive sniff revealing new complexity as the wine opens in the glass. This 71-percent Cabernet Sauvignon blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot subordinates each component in service of an overall harmony that is unmistakably Futo in character: opulent but not heavy, aromatic but precise. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with very ripe, grainy tannins that carry a distinctive powder-like texture on the finish. Freshness is excellent for the weight, driven by natural Oakville acidity, and the long finish carries a characteristic minty lift alongside ripe dark fruit, integrating seamlessly into a conclusion of impressive length and complexity. This Estate Red stands as one of Futo's most complete and compelling expressions.
About Futo
Futo is a Napa Valley estate owned by the family behind the Thomas Pink clothing brand, dedicated to producing single-estate wines of the highest possible quality from two extraordinary terroirs: Oakville and the Stags Leap District. The estate farms its vineyards at extremely low yields using biodynamic principles and works with winemaker Andy Erickson to produce wines of exceptional intensity and precision. Futo's hallmark is a distinctive aromatic complexity, particularly the violet and oolong tea notes that appear consistently across their Estate Red and 5500 bottlings, a signature that reflects both the farming philosophy and the specific character of their vineyard sites.
Food Pairings
Prime ribeye with compound herb butter and roasted bone marrow
The ribeye's fat and char intensity draws out the Estate Red's dark fruit core and grainy tannin texture, while the herb butter echoes the wine's garrigue and minty finish.
Braised short rib with black truffle and celery root puree
The concentrated collagen and truffle earthiness of braised short rib align precisely with the Estate Red's potpourri and dark fruit depth, creating a pairing of mutual amplification.
Lamb rack with olive tapenade and roasted eggplant
The olive and eggplant mirror the wine's notable black olive and garrigue character from its Oakville terroir, making this a pairing built on shared Mediterranean-inflected aromatics.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 17-19C / 63-66F
- Decanting
- Decant for two hours. The 2016 Futo Estate Red is in its drinking window but benefits substantially from extended air exposure to fully develop the layered aromatic profile that defines this wine. A wide-bodied decanter at serving temperature is ideal.
- Cellar Storage
- 12-14C / 54-57F
Frequently Asked
What are the two estate sites that go into the Futo Estate Red?
The Estate Red is a blend from Futo's Oakville and Stags Leap District vineyard sites, designated OV/SL. Each site contributes distinct characteristics that Futo blends for a unified estate expression.
Is the 2016 Estate Red ready to drink?
Yes, it is in its drinking window from 2023 onward and showing beautifully in 2026 with two hours of decanting. Peak runs through 2044, so there is no urgency for those who prefer to wait.
What makes Futo's aromatics different from other Napa Cabernet producers?
Futo is known for a distinctive violet, oolong tea, and garrigue aromatic profile that sets their wines apart from more conventionally fruit-forward Napa Cabernets. This reflects both the estate's biodynamic farming and the specific character of their Oakville and Stags Leap terroirs.
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