2017 Gandona Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2017 Gandona is deep, inky and super-expressive. Brooding red and purplish fruit, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice, crème de cassis and new leather fill out the wine's ample, rich frame with real power and resonance. This is an especially rich, full-throttle style, but it all works so well. The 2017 has less alcohol and a bit more freshness than the norm. Gandona's 2017 could really turn out to be a surprise.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) fermented in concrete tanks and aged 20 months in 66.5% new French oak. Deep purple-black in color, it features intense, pure cassis, warm blackberries and black cherries notes with hints of camphor, tobacco leaf and yeast extract plus touches of tilled soil and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impressive weight and intensity with beautifully ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with a minty lift. 435 cases produced.

Gandona's 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is inky, deep and explosive. Crème de cassis, lavender, menthol, gravel, licorice, chocolate and spice build in a powerful, tannic wine that is likely to require a number of years before it is at its best and most expressive.