The 2017 The Bard, based on 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, is certainly one of the standouts in the vintage. This deep purple effort offers a Bordeaux'ish vibe (which is common in the vintage) in its blackcurrant, graphite, tobacco, and scorched earth aromas and flavors. These carry to a full-bodied Cabernet with beautiful balance, a distinct sense of minerality, and the structure to continue evolving nicely for another 20 years or more.

A blend of 21 different lots from 11 different vineyards, the 2017 The Bard is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts out of the glass with blackcurrant cordial, warm plums, redcurrant jelly and chocolate-covered cherries notes, leading to a minty undercurrent with a waft of cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, soft-textured and refreshing, it delivers a good core of black fruit on the palate, finishing wonderfully spicy.