Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
“…a classic Napa wine, showing again Trefethen’s mastery with Cabernet.” – Rich Cook
A wine of depth and dignity, this elegant expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reflects everything we have learned farming our estate vineyards in the cool climate of the Oak Knoll District since 1968. Achieving a density of dark fruit on the palate, we maintain a bright and lively peppery spiciness, resulting in a wine of impeccable balance that evolves beautifully in both the glass and the cellar.
Ripe, focused flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and blackcurrant are complemented by soft notes of cedar, bay leaf, and a savory earthiness. On the palate, this wine has a fruit-driven entry balanced with firm tannins that give way to a lush, lingering finish.
Record-breaking winter rains filled our reservoirs and recharged the soil. Spring and early summer were warm, leading to very strong growth in the vines. The rest of the summer was more typical with warm days and cool nights, providing perfect conditions for the developing grapes. Our yields for the season were slightly lower than average and the resulting wines are classic—with complex flavors and our signature brightness on the palate.
This wine shines with red meats and copious amounts of thyme and black pepper. Chef Chris Kennedy recommends using them to marinate a filet of beef or to finish a red wine sauce. Not a big red meat eater? One of his other favorite go-to dishes for this wine is ahi tuna crusted in black pepper.
BEST IN SHOW
PLATINUM
97 POINTS
Decanter World Wine Awards
"One of the compelling reasons for the 'nesting' of Napa's AVAs is to prove just how different the Valley's sub-districts can be, something that this wine from Oak Knoll makes admirably clear. The wine is a dark opaque black, but its soft, respiring resins and calmly ordered fruits alert the drinker from the aromatic profile alone that the wine has nothing monstrous or disproportionate about it. It's ripe but supple and graceful, with as much juicy acidity as textured tannins: drinkable, accessible, and fresh. The Napa hallmark of opulence is there in the succulent grain of the fruit, but in every other respect this is deft, finely judged midweight." - September 2020
95 POINTS | GOLD
Sommeliers Choice Awards 2020
92 POINTS
James Suckling
"Blueberry and mushroom aromas with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. Blackberries. Firm tannins. Juicy finish. Needs some time to soften..." - January 2020
GOLD
91 POINTS
Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition 2020
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
91 POINTS
California Grapevine
"Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, rich, ripe, dark cherry and wild berry fruit aroma with hints of cedar, black olive, cinnamon, and cocoa powder; full body; elegantly styled, red and black fruit flavors with spicy and herbal notes, good acid balance, and pleasing richness in the mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable now, though best to give it several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended." - November 2020
90 POINTS
Wine Enthusiast 2020
