Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017

94 points Wine & Spirits: “[$78 list] This is a Napa Valley cabernet that does everything right. Renee Ary blends fruit from Duckhorn’s estate with grapes from growers, including 12 percent merlot to point up the luscious texture; she ages the wine for 16 months in French oak barrels (half of them new), without it becoming overtly oaky. It’s a wine of elegance and restraint, delicious in its sweet purple-plum intensity, succulent in its earthy tannins. Those mineral tannins retreat into the finish, allowing the savory fruit to move in. Accessible now, this will only improve with a few years in bottle. (Oct 2020)”

90 points Wine Spectator: “[$78 list] Ripe, rounded and generally open in feel, with friendly plum, raspberry and cherry notes woven together with light floral and red licorice notes. Polished finish. Drink now through 2027. (11/15/20)”

90 points Wine Enthusiast: “[$78 list] This is a soft, rounded and appealing red, juicy in blackberry and dark cherry. Ripe tannins add to the richness and lush palate, finishing on accents of clove and toasted oak. Alcohol 14.5%. (Dec 2020)”