Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with layers of blackberry, Bing cherry and ripe plum, followed by notes of mocha and chocolate. The tannins are focused and long providing a rich texture and mouthfeel, with an elegant balance and structure that complements the mouth filling flavors. Well integrated baking spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg from the toasted oak barrels are seamlessly woven throughout the wine, complementing the berry fruit aromas and flavors which leads to a long mouthwatering finish. This rich, mouth pleasing Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is approachable and delicious now, yet promises cellar worthiness.
Blend: 83.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.9% Syrah, 3.3% Petite Sirah, 2.5% Merlot, 2.1% Touriga, 1.3% Cabernet Franc, 1.1% Charbono, 2% of other complementary varietals
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A firm and silky red with blackberries and currants, as well as iodine and redwood undertones. Medium-bodied, creamy and delicious. Shows real Napa character. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Franc and Charbono.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A kitchen sink blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Merlot, 2% Touriga Nacional, 2% Cab Franc and 1% Charbono, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley sports a deep garnet-purple color and exuberant notes of wild blueberries, ripe blackberries and crushed blackcurrants with touches of fruitcake, cigar box, menthol and spice box. The palate is medium to full-bodied, coating the mouth with soft-textured black fruit and spice cake flavors, supported by a lively backbone and finishing with a minty kick. Nicely done!
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Wine Enthusiast
With small doses of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Touriga Nacional, this well-made red is smooth and widely appealing. Black cherry, vanilla and blackberry flavors are juicy and lengthy, with an impressive backbone of freshness.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.