Sequoia Grove
Cabernet Sauvignon
VINTAGE
2017
COUNTRY
Americas
REGION
Napa Valley
TABLE #
184
90
Ripe, sporting a fresh edge, with plum and black cherry notes cruising through, laced with cedar and alder hints and backed by a violet detail that adds good lift. Drink now through 2024. 18,987 cases made. — JM
The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon come from the finest vineyard sites in the best appellations of Napa Valley, including the Sequoia Grove Estate and Tonella Estate Vineyards in Rutherford, as well as select parcels from top growers, including Morisoli and Beckstoffer in Rutherford, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux in the Oak Knoll District and Healy in St. Helena. All fruit is hand sorted before undergoing a cold soak followed by inoculation with French yeast strains. Individual wines are fermented in small batches with daily pump-overs. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and is further aged in oak before bottling.
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
20 months in barrel 50% new French oak
The growing season began with ample groundwater due to heavy rainfall in December, January, and February. A mild spring contributed to even flowering and set and started the growing season off relatively early. Summer was relatively warm and an unusual, extended heatwave during Labor Day weekend, instead of accelerating brix, actually froze brix in place, allowing ripening to continue with the welcome relief of more moderate brix levels upon harvest. This 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is an extremely, high-quality expression of this challenging Napa Valley vintage.
Deep ruby in color with intense aromas and flavors of blackberry, red and black cherries and currants interwoven with sweet spice, floral and mineral notes. The palate has a big, round, silky arc with smooth tannins, impeccable balance, and a long, flavorful finish.
A versatile food wine, the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with any red meat on the grill, pork tenderloin, heavy cheeses and grilled vegetables.
