Winemaker Notes
Capturing the diversity and complexity from the region, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon displays a dark ruby hue with aromas of crushed violets, graphite, and blueberry. A burst of licorice and boysenberry are revealed on the palate carried along by bright savory spices and mineral notes that persist throughout. Polished tannins kick in giving the wine a soft texture along with a lively acidity that gives the wine a clean, extended finish.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
This is a really excellent CrossBarn with beautiful currant and savory character. Hint of menthol. Full-bodied, round and flavorful. Yet, it’s not overdone. Ready to drink! Tastes like a Napa cab for double the price. Drink now or hold.
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Crossbarn comes from the superstar winemaker Paul Hobbs and is a solid value in 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet. Upfront violets, plums, exotic spices, and orange blossom notes all emerge from this expressive, medium to full-bodied, plush effort that has lots of charm. It has the vintage's slightly firm tannins yet should keep nicely for 7-8 years, if not longer.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley leaps from the glass with vivacious Morello cherries, black raspberries and redcurrants scents followed by wafts of sandalwood, spice cake and camphor with a touch of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, the softly textured palate bursts with juicy red and black berry flavors, finishing with great 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.