2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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The Rutherford winegrowing region has long been the source for some of the Napa Valley’s most storied Cabernets, and for many years, this coveted fruit has played an important role in our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Building on our experience with these exceptional grapes, this wine captures the essence of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, from its lovely layers of blackberry, cassis and tobacco to the dusty minerality that has come to define the legendary wines from this appellation.
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Oak Profile & Aging: Aged 16 months in 100% French oak
50% new
Winemaker Notes
Aromas of juicy blackberry, blueberry and black mission figs leap from the glass followed by complex hints of sage and violet. On the silky palate, Rutherford’s signature dusty tannins provide lovely grip and texture, underscoring the voluptuous dark berry, currant and vanilla flavors, with notes of graphite and
clove emerging on the long, supple finish.
Production
The 2017 growing season began with abundant winter rains, followed by a warm, dry spring that led to a
perfectly timed budbreak. In addition to replenishing the water table, the early season rains produced robust canopies, which provided invaluable shade during a week-long heat event that kicked harvest into gear during the last week of August. This was followed by a much-needed cooldown that allowed the vines to recuperate, while also giving us extra hangtime for flavor development and tannin resolution. We harvested throughout September and into early October, with the grapes showing lovely ripeness and quality, yielding plush, polished and wonderfully complex wines.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Acid
0.64 g/100 ml
pH
3.58
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
91