Winemaker Notes
Intense ruby in color, this Cabernet opens with a lovely bouquet of forward fruit, soft notes of oak from the barrel fermentation, some anise and a hint of mocha. Ripe black fruit unfolds on the palate offering cassis, blackberry and black cherry. The finish is long and lingering with a smooth rich texture. 24% of the 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was barrel-fermented and barrel-aged in new French Oak. The balance of the wine was fermented traditionally, in stainless steel tanks, then moved to French neutral oak for balance.
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Rich garnet color; juicy and bright, long and fresh with fresh berry fruit.
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Wine Enthusiast
With small percentages of Merlot and Malbec added to the blend, this red offers a juicy blackberry flavor and smooth, integrated tannins. It is cohesive on the palate, with light accents of baking spice and mocha around the layers of rich fruit.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Experience Cabernet Sauvignon is layered and pleasing. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits bright black fruit aromas and flavors. Enjoy its soft and smooth finish with a lightly-spiced rotisserie chicken. (March 14, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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.