The Grapes for this wine are sourced from Beaulieu Vineyard Ranch No. 1 on the Rutherford Bench. This is our original vineyard, acquired in 1900. Selective blending of superior blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot produces a supple and approachable wine that boasts bold aromas and flavors of ripe berries. A generous dose of French oak provides roundness, integrating the rich and fruit flavors with opulent, mouth filling texture.
The 2017 vintage in the Napa Valley was smaller yielding but high in quality. The region enjoyed much needed rain during the winter months ending the drought. A short period of warmer than usual temperatures during Labor Day weekend accelerated harvest for early ripening grapes varieties, resulting in an intense and, at times, unpredictable harvest. Though yields were lower than usual, the wines show exceptional flavor intensity and conditions were perfect for producing a wine with beautiful fruit as well as tremendous concentration of flavors, highly saturated color, and layers of complexity.
The Cabernet Sauvignon offers lifted aromas of fresh black currant and blackberry with hints of anise seed and green coffee bean, alongside delicate spice notes from the well-integrated oak aging. The Merlot contributes juicy dark plum fruit notes and a plush, round texture on the palate. The smaller amount of Petit Verdot adds a richness and full tannin structure, deep color and exotic aromas and flavors of black licorice, black pepper and wild violet, leading to a long persistent finish.