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.

(93+ points) 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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2017 Bard is bright and fruity, with lovely red berry character. The more mid-weight side of the year comes through in a perfumed, gracious Bard that offers tons of density and plenty of class. I would give it another year or two to allow the elements to fully meld together. The 2017 is impressive in the early going. -- Antonio Galloni