More about the 2016 CRU9 9TH POWER NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON: Finding a truly compelling Cabernet Sauvignon from the eastern edge of Oakville, particularly from the slopes near some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, is increasingly rare, especially at an accessible price point. That scarcity makes the 2016 CRU9 9th Power Cabernet Sauvignon all the more remarkable. Sourced from a confidential site the winery refers to as “Magic Mountain,” the vineyard lies along the Vaca Mountain range, where red, mineral-rich soils with volcanic components and excellent drainage create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon of depth and structure. While the exact location remains undisclosed due to a nondisclosure agreement, the pedigree of the site is unmistakable, capable of producing wines that routinely command multi-hundred-dollar prices. The 2016 9th Power is a 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 20 months in French oak, a regimen that builds texture and polish without diminishing the wine’s sense of place. Production is exceptionally limited, with just four barrels made, underscoring the wine’s focus and exclusivity. The result is a Cabernet defined by concentration and precision, shaped by mountain fruit and careful élevage rather than excess manipulation. Beyond the bottle, CRU9 distinguishes itself through purpose as well as quality. The winery actively supports two nonprofit women’s shelters, Ruby’s Place in California and House of Hope in Iowa, organizations dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness. Each bottle of CRU9 not only reflects a rare and compelling expression of eastern Oakville Cabernet, but also contributes to meaningful, tangible impact. It is a wine that delivers depth on the palate and purpose beyond it, making the 2016 9th Power a standout in every sense.