Hundred Acre
Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
2016
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV
Where it is, June 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2023-2044).
In 2026, the Hundred Acre Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is firmly at peak, entering its third year of prime drinking. Compared to the 2017 bottling from this same label, the 2016 is notably more precise and structured - a reflection of the Classic vintage conditions that allowed flavors to develop gradually rather than under heat pressure. The tasting notes describe a wine of remarkable precision and tension, with the graphite and iron-mineral signature of the Few and Far Between site shining through with unusual clarity. In 2026 the tightly coiled tannins of the 2016 have begun their integration, but the wine retains a focused, almost austere quality that makes it distinctive within the Hundred Acre lineup. The dark cherry, black plum, and crushed herb notes are present but serve as a backdrop to the mineral architecture rather than the lead. With 18 years remaining in the peak window through 2044, this wine is in no rush - but every bottle opened in 2026 shows what a Classic Napa vintage can do with one of the valley's most demanding single-vineyard sites.
The ‘16 Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon.
The most tension-driven Few and Far Between in the lineup, the 2016 translates the Classic Napa vintage into a graphite-and-mineral precision that sets this bottling apart from every other year in the series.
Drinking window
Tasting note
Deep garnet in the glass, slightly more translucent than warmer vintages of this same label - a visual signal of the cooler growing conditions that defined 2016. The nose is precise and mineral-forward: graphite pencil shavings and crushed iron lead the way, with dark cherry, black plum, and crushed herbs arranged behind them with uncommon clarity and definition. The aromatic profile is tighter and more structured than other Hundred Acre expressions, reflecting the site's most essential character without the softening influence of a warm vintage. On the palate the wine is tightly coiled: excellent acidity provides the structural backbone, and the tannins are precise rather than generous, adding grip and longevity without weight. Dark cherry and black plum mirror the nose with focused intensity, accompanied by crushed herbs and the long, gradual mineral finish that makes this site distinctive. The finish unfolds slowly, revealing iron, dark spice, and stone minerality in layers that continue to emerge minutes after the wine is swallowed. A wine of discipline and purpose - the most mineral-focused vintage of Few and Far Between and one of the most rewarding to age.
The 2016 vintage
The 2016 Napa Valley vintage earned a Wine Spectator Classic rating of 98 points, matching the highest scores in recent decades and marking the final year of a drought-influenced run stretching back to 2012. Unlike the warmer years of that stretch, 2016 proceeded without serious heat spikes, producing a growing season of unusual precision. Rockier soils and drier spots in the valley ripened first, allowing for staggered harvesting that gave winemakers fine-grained control over picking decisions. Heavier clay soils achieved longer hang time under cooler autumn conditions, building phenolic maturity more gradually. The crop remained below normal - a legacy of the drought years - but the fruit that developed showed intense concentration tied to its specific terroir. Wine Spectator called the vintage character one of intense fruit against the backdrop of varying terroirs across Napa's diverse sites, a description that fits the Few and Far Between's graphite-and-mineral precision exactly.
About Hundred Acre
Jayson Woodbridge's Few and Far Between vineyard represents the most mineral-intense expression in the Hundred Acre estate. Located in Napa Valley, the site was identified by Woodbridge as one of the few places capable of consistently delivering the graphite and iron-mineral character that defines the label at its peak - characteristics that the 2016 cooler growing conditions brought into unusually sharp relief. Woodbridge uses small open-top fermenters and extended maceration to extract as much structural complexity from the vineyard as possible, then ages the wine in new French oak to provide the framework for its long evolution. With annual production in the low hundreds of cases and primary distribution through an oversubscribed mailing list, Few and Far Between remains one of the most allocation-constrained wines in the Hundred Acre portfolio.
From the cellar: pair with
Grilled Dry-Aged Porterhouse
The wine's precise tannins and firm acid cut through dry-aged beef fat while the graphite and iron-mineral core mirrors the char and depth of the grill without being overwhelmed.
Lamb Loin with Black Olive Tapenade
The wine's dark cherry and crushed herb notes align with the savory complexity of tapenade, while the mineral-forward precision of the 2016 lifts the dish rather than overpowering it.
Aged Pecorino or Aged Manchego
The wine's tightly coiled tannin structure and excellent acidity find balance in the crystalline, pungent texture of aged sheep's milk cheese without dulling the long mineral finish.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-64F (16-18C)
- Decanting
- Decant 90 minutes to 2 hours in 2026. The 2016 is notably more structured and mineral-forward than warmer vintages of this label, and the tightly coiled tannins benefit from extended aeration to open fully. A wide-bottomed decanter for 90 minutes to 2 hours will bring the graphite, dark cherry, and crushed herb aromatics forward while softening the mid-palate. Extended decanting beyond 2.5 hours risks reducing the mineral tension that defines this vintage. Serve at 60-62F.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, stored on its side in a vibration-free environment.
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
More from Napa Valley, California, USA
Frequently Asked
When is the best time to drink the Hundred Acre Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon 2016?
In 2026 this wine is at peak, entering its third year of prime drinking, with 18 years of optimal enjoyment remaining through 2044. Compared to the 2017 vintage of this same label, the 2016 is more structured and slower-opening, reflecting cooler growing conditions that built phenolic maturity more gradually. Opening a bottle now delivers the wine at a moment of excellent structural harmony, but the tension and precision of the 2016 will continue to reward cellaring through the early 2030s as the tannins further integrate. See [Napa Valley wines](/wines/region/napa-valley) for broader context on how Classic-vintage Napa Cabernet develops over time.
Should I decant the 2016 Few and Far Between before serving?
Yes - decant 90 minutes to 2 hours in 2026. The 2016 is notably more structured and mineral-forward than warmer vintages of this label, and the tightly coiled tannins benefit from extended aeration to open fully. A wide-bottomed decanter for 90 to 120 minutes will bring the graphite, dark cherry, and crushed herb aromatics forward while softening the mid-palate enough to show the wine's full range. Extended decanting beyond 2.5 hours risks reducing the mineral tension that defines this vintage. Serve at 60-62F.
What foods pair best with the Hundred Acre Few and Far Between 2016?
The 2016's precise tannins, excellent acidity, and mineral-forward structure make it an ideal match for dry-aged beef porterhouse or ribeye, lamb preparations with savory herbs or tapenade, and aged hard cheeses like Pecorino or aged Manchego. The mineral precision of this vintage works particularly well with preparations that share its focused intensity - avoid very sweet or fruity sauces that would compete with the wine's iron-mineral finish. The 2016 is more demanding at the table than warmer vintages of Few and Far Between. See [Cabernet Sauvignon wines](/wines/varietal/cabernet-sauvignon) for broader pairing context.
How does the 2016 Few and Far Between differ from other vintages of this label?
The 2016 is generally regarded as the most precise and mineral-focused vintage in the Few and Far Between lineup. The Classic 2016 growing season - which earned a Wine Spectator 98-point rating - proceeded without significant heat spikes, allowing flavors to develop gradually and phenolics to build slowly. The result is a more austere and structured wine than warmer vintages, with the graphite and iron-mineral core of the site more prominently featured. Compared to the [Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013](/wines/hundred-acre/ark-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon/2013), the 2016 Few and Far Between is more linearly focused but less overtly generous.
How long can I cellar the 2016 Hundred Acre Few and Far Between?
The 2016 has a peak window running through 2044, with hard decline not expected until 2053 - nearly three more decades from 2026. The structural backbone of this wine, including precise tannins, excellent acidity, and extended maceration from small open-top fermenters, combined with the cooler conditions of the 2016 vintage suggest exceptional cellaring potential. The mineral architecture that currently defines this wine will evolve toward more complex savory and dried-fruit notes through the 2030s. Store at 55F, 60-70% humidity, on its side. See also [Hundred Acre Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon 2017](/wines/hundred-acre/few-and-far-between-cabernet-sauvignon/2017) for a different expression of this site across back-to-back vintages.