92 Points - International Wine Report
91 Points - Wine Advocate
Will cellar easily for another 10-15 years.
Winemaking
Made from two vineyards along Skellenger Lane and blended to add expressive fruit character and lush tannins. Each component of this blend spent four weeks fermenting on skins to ensure that the tannins and fruit flavors were balanced. The resulting wine is rich and vibrant, offering vivid flavors of blackberry, raspberry, cassis and mocha. All of the Oakville lots were aged in Darnajou, Bel Air, Jarnac and Taransaud barrels, which framed the elegant flavors and allowed the young wine to develop harmoniously. After 20 months in barrel, the wines were racked and bottled, showcasing the dark fruit and richness of Oakville.
Oakville, Napa Valley
This generous and supple 2017 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by Oakville Ranch Vineyard. Located in the hills among famous neighbors Dalla Valle, Pedregal and Backus vineyards, Oakville Ranch produces powerful, rich, structured wines.
Vintage
Napa and Sonoma endured tragic wildfires in 2017 at the end of harvest. We feel very fortunate that the Cabernet Sauvignon wines emerged unharmed and the winery remained safe.
Analysis
Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% berry-sorted Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 75% New French Oak
pH: 3.54 TA: 6.4 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered June 2019
Cases Produced: 500
Alcohol: 14.5%
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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