Charles Krug 2017 Generations Red Reserve, Napa Valley

Above all else, Charles Krug Winery is a family winery. Peter Mondavi Sr. and his sons Marc and Peter Jr. continue their dedication to producing the finest Bordeaux style wines in the Napa Valley. With this wine they pay tribute to the three generations of the Mondavi family that has owned and run the winery since the mid-1900's. This estate bottled Reserve is one of the top wines of their Napa Valley red wine production.

In 2017 the early and mild spring saw a good berry set, while the rest of the season was marked by some significant heat spikes in June and August with one final spike over Labor Day weekend, which all combined to make it one of the hotter years on record. While the harvest was slightly smaller than normal—with moderate berry and cluster size—the quality was exceptional. This is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot aged 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels.

Wine Spectator scored this 91 points saying "Juicy and ripe, with a fun mix of plum, blackberry and raspberry compote notes, enlivened with a light anise accent on the streamlined finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Drink now through 2025."

Cellar Tracker gives this 94 points and says "Bordeaux blend (83% Cabernet). Blueberry, fig newtons, blackberry, and vanilla. So very well balanced and very drinkable now. Great aging potential."