96+ Moving to the reds and a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 55% new French oak, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cuvée is deeply colored and has a Bordeaux-like bouquet of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and spring flowers that has both richness and complexity. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, it stays firmly in the elegant style of the vintage with plenty silky tannins, good acidity, and a great finish.

The 2017 Estate Cuvée has turned out beautifully. Rich, smoky and inviting, the 2017 will, uncharacteristically, drink well pretty much upon release. In 2017, the Estate is a bit broader and richer than it usually is, but all of the elements are in the right place. To be sure, the natural richness of 2017 is evident, but at the same time Lou and Louis Kapcsándy have done a terrific job in avoiding the hard tannins that are found in so many wines. Tobacco, cedar, leather, smoke, licorice and incense add to a feeling of gravitas and pure power. This is an impressive showing. -- Antonio Galloni

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cuvée is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 55% new French oak, 18% new Hungarian oak and 27% second fill French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it strolls nonchalantly out of the glass with forward notes of baked black cherries, mulberries and warm cassis plus wafts of lilacs, cinnamon stick, cedar chest and clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate rolls easily over the tongue with gregarious black and blue fruits plus a fragrant, floral edge and plush tannins, finishing with plenty of freshness and spicy kick. 250 cases were made. - LPB