Vintage:
Each year, Mother Nature behaves differently and our vines respond to her influences. Grapegrowers and Winemakers must also respond. The vine and grape response and the decisions Grapegrowers and Winemakers make are what define a vintage. The 2017 vintage was marked by extremes that presented unique advantages and challenges.
After several years of drought, we had record rainfall in the winter and early-spring that gave our vines a much needed drink. Once the rains stopped, the weather began to warm up and we experienced early and repeating heat spikes. The first spikes came in June with temperatures in the 100s for several days at a time, which is very unusual in the Napa Valley this time of year. Another severe spike came for about a 10 day stretch around Labor Day in which temperatures reached 115F – again, unusual.
We were proactive, vigilant, and steady when faced with these difficult conditions; waiting for the right moment to harvest. Ultimately, the grapes came in with concentrated flavor, tannin, and color, and the resulting wines have great depth, richness, and the classic silky Oakville structure.
Fermentation & aging:
The Estate grapes were cold soaked for a period of 3-4 days and then fermented up to a maximum temperature of 94 degrees. The wines were drained off the skins after a total maceration of 7 – 12 days. The wine was then racked to barrel to undergo malolactic fermentation and to age. This wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels, 80% of which were new. The coopers used were primarily Sylvain, Taransaud, Cavin, and Nadalie. The cooperage is a blend of medium, medium-plus, and heavy toast barrels from a variety of forests. This blend of coopers, forests, and toasts lends the wine more layers and aromatic complexity.
Winemaker impressions:
The warm growing season gave this wine it’s rich and dark character. The nose is filled with black cherry, blackberry, cassis, and fig, which is perfectly complimented by the classic PlumpJack sage and mint. The palate is silky upon entry and opens up to juicy blackberry and black cherry. The balanced acid and well-integrated tannin give this wine energy and length and leads to a beautiful raspberry and spice finish.
- Blend:
- 89% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 8% Malbec
- 3% Petit Verdot
- ** Only 1 in Stock **
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from this great estate checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. Its deep, saturated purple color is followed by a beautiful bouquet of blueberries, red plums, toasted spices, incense, and pen ink. This is a big, rich, pedal-to-the-metal beauty that stays remarkably well-balanced, has notable freshness and purity, and sweet tannins, which can be hard to find in the 2017 vintage. It’s an undeniable success. - Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a gorgeous wine that captures all of the natural intensity of the year. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and leather all flesh out in the glass. Ample, creamy and generous, the Estate is terrific from the very first taste. In this vintage, the Estate is not too far off from the Reserve. Best of all the Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. Rose petal, mint and cinnamon notes add brightness as the wine opens in the glass. - Vinous Media 94 points
Made of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is deep garnet-purple colored with intense black currant cordial, sautéed herbs and plum preserves with hints of underbrush, dried bay leaves, tilled soil, chargrill and truffles. Full-bodied, rich and with a plush texture, it has a lovely herbal note lifting the palate and finish. - Robert Parker 91 points
