Duckhorn 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Duckhorn has been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978 and this 2017 is celebrates their 40th harvest. Blending fruit from estate vineyards and top Napa Valley growers, this wine embodies the complexity of the valley, while offering a seamless balance between fruit, oak and tannins. To add nuance the Cabernet is blended with Merlot, yielding a wine that is approachable in its youth, yet worthy of cellaring. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, .5% Petit Verdot and .5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% French oak chateau-style barrels 50% new for 16 months.

Wine & Spirits Magazine scored this 94 points saying "This is a Napa Valley cabernet that does everything right. Renee Ary blends fruit from Duckhorn’s estate with grapes from growers, including 12 percent merlot to point up the luscious texture, aging it for 16 months in French oak barrels (half of them new), without the wine becoming overtly oaky. It’s a wine of elegance and restraint, delicious in its sweet purple-plum intensity, succulent in its earthy tannins. Those mineral tannins retreat into the finish, allowing the savory fruit to move in. Accessible now, this will only improve with a few years in bottle."

Wine Spectator scored this 90 points saying "Ripe, rounded and generally open in feel, with friendly plum, raspberry and cherry notes woven together with light floral and red licorice notes. Polished finish. Drink now through 2027."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 90 points saying "This is a soft, rounded and appealing red, juicy in blackberry and dark cherry. Ripe tannins add to the richness and lush palate, finishing on accents of clove and toasted oak."