2017 Marilyn Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemakers Notes:
The color immediately impresses with its deep, dark violet-purple hues.  Wonderful intensity and complexity in the nose with aromas of black currants, brandied cherries and hints of chocolate among other nuances.  This wine has a big, rich mouthfeel, wonderful structure, and plentiful, although approachable tannins.  Classic Napa Valley broad shouldered style.  Flavors follow with added spice notes.  Powerful but balanced body and flavors follow through from entry to a long enjoyable finish.

Vineyards:
The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from 3 different vineyards from 2 of the better sub-appellations, Calistoga and Atlas Peak.  And the Merlot comes from Beckstoffer’s Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville.

The Vintage:
Relatively mild vintage with only a couple short heat spells , but otherwise near perfect ripening conditions.  Low rainfall year but most came at the end of Spring so that the vines had sufficient ground water to get a good start.  There was some smoke issues from nearby fires but al of our grapes were picked before the fires, as were 80% of the Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa.