Gandona - Encosta Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (750ml)
Price: $129.99
| Producer | Gandona |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Sku | 6581 |
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The 2017 growing season was a classic California summer of warm, sunny days followed by cool, clear nights. Soft and lush, the 2017 Encosta reflects the generous character of the vintage, displaying the flashy side of the estate with rich, dark fruits and warm baking spices. As the vines enter their second decade of life, their maturity is delivers us with impressive concentration and intensity, all the hallmarks of the qualities that have made this hill so famous.
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Encosta, fermented 89% in concrete and 11% in stainless, is blended of 77.95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.44% Cabernet Franc and 9.61% Petite Verdot aged 20 months in 59.4% new French oak. Deep purple-black in color, it sings of dark chocolate, spice box and cedar chest over a core of cassis, blackberry pie and kirsch plus suggestions of menthol and tapenade. Medium-bodied, the palate has great freshness and energy, with a firm, grainy frame and a long fruity finish.
Vinous: 92 Points
The 2017 Encosta is a gorgeous second wine from Gandona. Rich, ample, and super-expressive, it possesses tremendous resonance and power. Black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, spice, menthol, and tobacco give this rich, concentrated Cabernet-based red tremendous nuance. This is a fabulous second wine - in fact, in 2017 Encosta is better than many first labels. The 2017 packs a serious punch.
Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points
What could be thought of as the entry-level wine of the estate, the 2017 Encosta (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot) is a solid effort with its textbook aromatics (cassis, tobacco, spring flowers), medium-bodied richness and depth, light tannins, and forward, charming, delicious style.
