Jamessuckling.com | JS 95
Published: Feb 14, 2020

This is so drinkable now. Savory and yummy. Lots of blackberries, blueberries and currants. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and silky with beautiful freshness and finesse. So long and caressing, yet tightly grained tannins give it tension. Lovely drinkability. Available April 2020. Drink or hold. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Oct 31, 2019

There was about 40% of a normal crop this year due to strict selection. Grapes were harvested from September 21 to October 3 and the wine was bottled in May 2019. The 2017 Napanook is made up of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and was aged in 20% new French oak barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notions of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and crushed black currants with touches of dark chocolate, licorice, fertile loam, underbrush, camphor and cinnamon stick plus a waft of lilacs. Full-bodied with a firm level of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the bold, spicy black fruit layers, it finishes on a lingering perfumed note. With further time, it begins to reveal the mineral signature of the estate, delivering a glimpse at the gravitas to come with 5-7 years in the cellar. 1,400 cases were made. 
Drink Date: 2020 - 2032

Winemaker

TASTING NOTE
Napanook 2017 offers rosehip, orange zest, warm spice and pomegranate with deep earth notes, silex and a gripping finish. 

VINTAGE SUMMARY
A very wet winter and spring, seasonal rainfall was twice the historical average. With soil water reserves full and warm temperatures in May and June, vines grew quickly and luxuriantly. Several significant heat waves were recorded in June, July, August, and September with a record-breaking 112 F on September 1st. Ripening was fast and homogenous. The severe heat wave before harvest induced significant crop loss. To maintain quality, fruit selection was critical and resulted in our smallest vintage since 1996 (our very first vintage). 

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 89%, Cabernet Franc: 9 %, Petit Verdot: 2%
Harvest Start: September 21
Harvest End: October 3 (before the fires October 8)
Bottling Date: May 2019
Percent New Barrels: 20%
Cases Produced: 1400
Release Date: June 2020
Budbreak: March 31
Bloom: May 18
Veraison: July 30