This wine comes from a vineyard planted in 1986 at 150 to 300 feet in elevation. The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon 5500 is blended of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals bold, expressive blackberry preserves, blackcurrant cordial and baked redcurrants scents with a beautiful undercurrent of rose petals, lilacs, black tea and chocolate mint with a waft of fertile loam. Full-bodied, concentrated and laden with red and black fruit layers, it has a firm, finely grained frame and wonderful freshness lifting the mineral nuances to a long finish. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered; 359 cases were made.

Potentially perfect are the 300 cases or so of the 2015 Futo 5500, which is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The barrel sample I saw was out of this world, with notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, blackberry, blueberry, espresso roast, white chocolate and incense, followed by a remarkably rich, glycerin-packed, dense wine giving a voluptuous texture but fabulous energy and length. It should drink well for 25-30 years.

The 2015 5500 is round, creamy and voluptuous, with superb presence and tons of class. Layers of dark, silky fruit give the 2015 much of its unctuous, spherical feel. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal and spice are all pushed forward. Even with all of its intensity, the 2015 retains striking freshness. Vibrant, supple and compelling in every way, the 2015 5500 is a total knock-out.

A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, the otherworldly 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon 5500 comes from a single vineyard planted in an old quarry and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. It’s unquestionably one of the top wines in the vintage and offers heavenly notes of crème de cassis, salty minerality, spicy oak, black raspberries and dried flowers. This full-bodied, opulent, yet elegant 2015 has a huge mid-palate, building, sweet tannin, incredible purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already impossible to resist but will keep for 25+ years. Located just across from Harlan Estate, on the western side of Oakville, Futo was created by Kansas natives Tom and Kyle Futo in 2002. The wines are made today by the young Jason Exposto and they release four Bordeaux blends, driven largely by the different terroirs they’re able to work with. These are singular, world-class wines that I wish every reader could taste. The 2015s are true blockbusters that share similarities to the 2012s (and maybe the 2007), and the 2016s show a similar level of depth, with perhaps slightly more purity.