Abundant winter rains got 2017 off to a great start, breaking the drought. July and August were unseasonably cool, perfect for color and flavor development and the retention of terrific natural acidity. Then as harvest began, heat in early September turned the vintage into a sprint, with the entire harvest picked over nine consecutive days. We are grateful that all our grapes were in weeks before the fires, fermented and resting safely in barrels.
The 2017 is brighter and less brooding than typical Kronos vintages in their youth, with luscious, juicy cassis, luxardo cherry, blueberry and raspberry fruit. Signature blackberry pie flavors, complete with baking spices, proclaim a sense of place. Approachable now, the tannins provide a velvet grip. Grace notes include toasted almonds and hints of peppermint. Firm acidity and mineral verve keep it lively. Violets and dried rose petals are already perfuming the aromas. - Cathy Corison
Beautiful blueberry and lavender aromas. Violets, too. So perfumed. Medium to full body and very fine, focused tannins. Purity and beauty. Pretty length.
96 - James Suckling
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Kronos Vineyard… reveal(s) enticing notes of freshly crushed black cherries, redcurrant jelly and wild blueberries with an undercurrent of cassis, allspice, sandalwood and rose oil plus a touch of garrigue. The medium-bodied palate has a real skip in its step, with delicately played, bright, energetic black and red berry layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
95+ Robert Parker
The 2017 Kronos Vineyard Cabernet is a simply gorgeous wine from Cathy Corison in this challenging vintage that represents a classic style of Napa Valley Cabernet. As this unwinds in the glass it releases striking aromas of blackberries and cassis, which are woven together with violets, tobacco, graphite, herbs and wet gravel. This is full-bodied and impeccably structured, with beautifully polished tannins. This displays incredible overall balance, focus and precision leading up to the graceful finish. While this is already absolutely sensational, it also possesses the potential to thrive in the cellar for many years to come.
96 - International Wine Report