Gallica 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa Valley 96 POINTS!

Robert Parker 96 Points: “Blended with16% cabernet franc, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is deep garnet-purple in color and springs from glass with expressive black currant cordial, warm plums and blueberry compote plus Indian spices, earth and lilacs with a cedar waft. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm, grainy and packed with expressive fruit and with seamless freshness, finishing long. Very impressive!”

Vinous 95 Points:”The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive wine that shows a more mid-weight expression of the vintage. It is also quite a bit restrained for Gallica, where the Cabernet is typically more opulent and explosive. What impresses me most about the 2017 are its savory aromatics, persistence and finesse. Readers who expect a big, rich Cabernet won’t find that here. Instead, the 2017 Gallica Cabernet is the kind of wine that needs a few years in bottle to be at its best. I won’t be surprised if it turns out to be even better than this note suggests.”

Rosemary Cakebread (Winemaker) Notes: “Cool and rainy April days gave way to three warm heat events which advanced ripening and winery preparations. Gallica’s harvest started in August and we picked Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville on September 27th (10 days before the fire!). The 2017 Gallica Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon shares many characteristics with the notable 2015 bottling- warm and sappy, structurally built to age with sweet and fine tannin. Early canopy positioning in the vineyard enhanced fruit protection from direct afternoon sun and allowed us to make a wine we are proud of. Subtle hints of dried sage, blackberry and cocoa powder are evident but the wine leans towards savory, with some black olive, and dried tobacco. Round and supple, this vintage can be appreciated now with the promise of further enjoyment with bottle aging.”