Cervantes Family Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon MMXVI, Napa Valley, 2017

Overview of the Wine
Cervantes Family Vineyards is a 1,100 Acre Ranch in the far eastern reaches of Napa Valley last frontier, marks the highest profile project where winemaker Andy Erickson (Favia, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, Arietta, and formerly of Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Staglin) and Xavier Cervantes Family are growing a text book Napa Valley hill side wines. Where wild deer and bears still roam, giving the feeling of an uncharted feral frontier to these elegant and polish wines.

Cervantes' estate, which he calls Hine Ranch, marks the highest-profile project yet to bottle an estate Pope Valley wine made at a Pope Valley winery. Xavier hired winemaker Andy Erickson (Favia, Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, Arietta, and formerly of Screaming Eagle and Staglin) to join him on his spirited adventure and famed architect Howard Backen (Harlan, Kenzo, Futo) to build the winery and equestrian center on the property; all sharing the bold, singular dream to realize the full possibility of the unsung terroir of Pope Valley and finally giving justice to one of Napa's great landscapes.

Grape / Blend
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec

Origin
Oakville, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
It is the fine focus that drives the character of the 2017 Cervantes Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a dark black-purple hue, bright aromatics, and a generous yet precise palate impression. Immediately on the nose are notes of red raspberry, loam, incense, and fresh blackberries. It enters the palate with a rush of flavor, then broadens and lengthens through the finish. There is excellent structure, even as the wine is balanced and nimble. It is built for the long haul and should age for more than a decade.

95 Points - James Suckling 
A tight cabernet with a core of attractive blackberries and blackcurrants, as well as undertones of mint and sage. Tar, too. Full body and polished, integrated tannins. Flavorful finish. Serious wine.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 
Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon MMXVII is deep garnet-purple in color. It charges out of the gate with bold black and red cherries notes, followed by a core of mulberries and cassis with hints of Indian spices and roses. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and full-on seductive, featuring mouth-coating black fruit layers offset by great freshness and seductively plush tannins, finishing long and spicy.

Product size: 750ml