O'Shaughnessy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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The 2017 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon marries fruit from the winery’s estate properties on Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder. It’s classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, capturing the essence of the vintage with its lively bouquet of violets, sandalwood, wild plum, and kirsch. The palate is dense and focused with integrated tannins and layers of boysenberry, crème de cassis, bittersweet chocolate, and tobacco
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 5% Malbec that spent 20 months in 75% new French oak. Deep purple-colored with notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, smoked earth, white chocolate, and crushed violets, it's medium to full-bodied, ripe, and sexy, with a core of sweet fruit. It’s a terrific 2017 as well as a good value.
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James Suckling
A very reserved and structured cabernet with red and dark berries, as well as cedary notes and a savory, iodine-like edge. The palate has a very balanced and composed feel with a sleek, focused edge to the fresh blackcurrant flavors. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 O'Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon presents a picture of a well-made Napa Cab. TASTING NOTES: This wine brings plenty of black fruit and a hint of dust in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with grilled meats accented with sweet, red onions. (Tasted: February 20, 2020, Yountville, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% St. Macaire, 1% Cabernet Franc and 2% Carmenere. It was aged for 22 months in French oak, 22% new. Very deep purple-black colored, it rolls easily out of the glass with pronounced notions of creme de cassis, baked plums and blueberry compote with hints of vanilla pod, dark chocolate, camphor and charcuterie plus a waft of cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid backbone of rugged tannins and bold acidity supporting the intense savory/earthy flavors, finishing with good length and expression, if just a little firm and rustic.
Rating: 90(+)
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O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery sits at 1,800 feet on the heralded Howell Mountain appellation in the beautiful Napa Valley. Founded in 1996, the estate encompasses one hundred and twenty acres. Winemaker Sean Capiaux has overseen the planting of the vineyard and selected numerous clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and all seven of the historic Bordeaux varietals for this unique property.
O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery uses modern equipment to produce non-interventionist wines that are naturally fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered. These techniques allow the varietal character and terroir of O’Shaughnessy Estate vineyards to be the stars of the show.
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.