Wines Napa Valley Oakville East - Exposure - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Oakville East’s Cuvée Exposure 2016 is an exceptional red wine that embodies the prestige and intensity of Napa Valley. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with possible touches of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this cuvée is sourced from the renowned Oakville AVA, an area celebrated for its ability to produce powerful yet elegant red wines. The 2016 vintage benefited from an exemplary growing season—cool spring weather followed by a warm, consistent summer allowed for optimal grape maturation, resulting in a wine with deep concentration and supple tannins. Winemaking at Oakville East is attentive and precise, with hand-harvested fruit, careful selection, and aging in high-quality French oak barrels enhancing both complexity and aging potential.

Napa Valley, and particularly the Oakville subregion, is revered for its unique terroir. The region features well-drained gravelly soils with a mix of sedimentary and volcanic components, encouraging deep root growth and the development of complex flavors in the fruit. Its Mediterranean climate—with clear, warm days balanced by cool nights due to the influence of San Pablo Bay—enables slow, even ripening. With a winemaking history dating back to the mid-19th century, Napa Valley has become synonymous worldwide with powerful yet refined Cabernet blends, and Oakville East skillfully honors this heritage.

For food pairings, Cuvée Exposure’s structure and depth call for rich, savory dishes. Prime rib with a peppercorn crust, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or a classic American beef burger with aged cheddar will beautifully highlight the wine’s robust character. If you wish to explore a regional nod, consider a California-style grilled tri-tip or short ribs with a red wine reduction.

To fully appreciate the nuanced aromatics and lush palate of this wine, decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended. Serve at 16-18°C to bring out the expressive fruit and subtle oak, ensuring a memorable tasting experience. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for several more years for added complexity.