Cellar Favorite: Mayacamas: The Sixes

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | OCTOBER 26, 2026

My most recent visit to Mayacamas provided an opportunity to taste current releases and check in on a few older wines, in this case three Cabernets from years ending in “6.” The two older vintages are terrific examples of the magic Bob Travers coaxed from this rugged mountain estate, while the 2016 is an early masterpiece from the current team headed by Winemaker Braiden Albrecht. Readers will find plenty of historical information and context on Mayacamas in our extensive Article Archive, linked below for convenience.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as stunning as it has always been. The growing season was marked by very low yields. As a result, there are no special bottlings; all the best fruit went into this Cabernet. Florals, spice and citrus overtones lead into scents of red mountain fruit, iron, cedar, menthol, licorice and tobacco that are classic Veeder. At ten years of age, the 2016 is shockingly young. It may need as much as another decade to come around. Then again, this is Mayacamas. 99/Drink 2031-2066.

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, sumptuous wine. Intense dark fruit, mocha, new leather, incense, cloves and licorice are all dialed up. Plush and inviting, with notable persistence, the 2006 has reached its twentieth birthday in grand style. It's still a very young wine with plenty of life left. Stylistically, the 2006 is unusually opulent in feel. 96/Drink 2026-2046.

The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon is in a great spot for drinking now. At 30 years of age, the 1996 remains quite youthful and so expressive. Hints of orange peel, white pepper, mint, dried flowers, iron and chalk lend tons of aromatic nuance, while brisk acids convey freshness. I would not be at all surprised if this saw a small acid addition, but everything is impeccably balanced throughout. 95/Drink 2026-2036.

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