Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off and all from the Pope Valley region of Napa, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a ripe, textured, fleshy beauty that’s loaded with notions of tobacco, California bay, game, and black olives, all grounded by a core of classic Cabernet fruits. It’s a rocking mouthful of a Cabernet that would be in the running for the best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon under 50 bucks.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has expressive notes of preserved plums, raspberry pie and baked blackberries with touches of camphor, cinnamon, coffee and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich and decadent with firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, it finishes long with a compelling minty kick.
Barrel Sample: 89-91
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.