A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2017 Proprietary Red soars out of the glass with notions of baked blueberries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial, backed up by nuances of chocolate mint, wild sage, violets and pencil shavings, plus an earthy hint of Chinese five spice. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with spicy black fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and opulent.

100% estate grown and made. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot. All fruit was harvested before the fires started in early October. A full, expressive nose of juicy berries, fresh plum, and cherry accents. The palate is almost creamy in texture with notes of tobacco leaf, mountain sage, an abundance of spice, and a light touch of cacao nib. The tannin is abundant and grippy while also fine-grained and persistent – simply tannin of youth that was very well managed. This is one of the more elegant 2017 Napa Cabernets I have tasted and is impressively well balanced with more nuance and complexity than often found from the vintage. Well-balanced, mouth-watering acidity, and a lot of length. This will benefit from decanting. It can be enjoyed now alongside food though will be more approachable after another year in bottle. A lovely, well-crafted wine. It is less aromatic than the 2016, perhaps because it includes less Cabernet Franc as less of it was ready for harvest before the fires. Pleasing and savoury. (ECB)