2017 Zeitgeist Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, a new wine in this range, emerges from Oakville Station, a site that belongs to UC Davis that lies next to the southern part of To Kalon. Dark and supple with silky tannins and terrific balance, the 2017 captures the immediacy of the vintage nicely. Red plum, mocha, new leather and licorice all build into the racy, sumptuous finish. Best of all, the 2017 will be hugely enjoyable to drink with minimal cellaring.

This comes from the Sleeping Lady vineyard in Yountville, the Oakville Station vineyard in Oakville and the Lewelling vineyard in St. Helena. Containing 8% Cabernet Franc, the very deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley gives up notes of crushed black cherries, cassis and blackberries with hints of cedar chest and tilled soil plus a waft of cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has firm, ripe tannins with layers of baked black fruit and a spicy kick, finishing on a stewed tea note. 285 cases produced.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine. Ample, creamy and inviting, with terrific textural nuance, the 2017 is super-expressive in this tasting. Dark cherry jam, tobacco, cedar, smoke, menthol and licorice all flesh out in an ample, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with tons of personality. The 2017 is plump, juicy and full of near to medium-term appeal.