2017 Maybach Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus Napa Valley

JD96 From a single vineyard in Calistoga, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus isn’t far off what the estate produced in 2016. It’s a pure, full-bodied, powerful 2017 that does everything right. Loads of blueberries, cassis, Asian spice, and flowery incense define the bouquet, and it has a pure, classic, focused style on the palate. I love its purity of fruit, it has ripe, present tannins, and while it needs 2-3 years of bottle age, it’s going to evolve gracefully for 15-20 years.
Estate Notes: Walking our rows in the Amoenus vineyard, the visual impression you experience is that of waves: the rolling topography as well as the ribbons of gravel and rocky soil that blend in and out of the soil structure. This wine works that way as well with its undulating, intricate and layered qualities. The wine is defined by dark, brambly notes and interwoven throughout are ribbons of high-toned complimentary aromas and flavors. This interplay is captured within a polished and refined tannin framework and mouth-watering acid balance. (Thomas Rivers Brown)

The 2017 Maybach Amoenus possesses a completely opaque royal purple hue in the glass. Decadent aromas swell from the bowl suggesting notes of cassis, blackberry, worn leather, violet and dark chocolate. The palate experience has a seamless trajectory layered with mouth-coating notes of lilac, boysenberry, pomegranate, river rock, and baking spice. The combination of all the layers and components of this wine come together in a finishing crescendo that lingers for a minute plus. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 255 cases produced
This is the EIGHTH RELEASE of Maybach Amoenus, from a hillside vineyard on Western side of Calistoga, where the moderating temperatures of the Black Mountain Gap are 10-15 degrees cooler than on the Eastern side, allowing gradual ripening and good maturation.