The winemaker’s notes explain that “Abandon Cabernet Sauvignon sources fruit from vineyards within the Lake County AVA. This dynamic geological site was formed by ancient volcanic and tectonic occurrences. The resulting soils offer excellent drainage and are rich with natural minerals. With some vineyards planted as high as 3000 feet, Lake County’s UV exposure promotes perfectly balanced pH levels in our grapes. For this wine, our winemaker opted to split the blend with grapes from Napa Valley. Nearly encased by mountains and filled with short, sharp hills, its mixture of soils, morning fog and afternoon sun makes it one of the world’s most prized wine regions. The Napa portion provides a soft mouthfeel with layered dark fruit notes and a smooth finish. Each of our Abandon Cabernet Sauvignon lots were fermented separately to showcase the fruit’s quality, then blended several months before bottling to integrate flavors and structure. The volcanic, high-elevation vineyards of Lake County produce the rich, dark fruit jam character, a complexity complemented by the soft elegance of Napa County, offering rounder tannins, a touch of oak and smooth finish. After harvest, the grapes were destemmed, crushed and then cold soaked to capture intense color. Fermentation occurred primarily in stainless-steel tanks for up to 14 days. Finally, this wine was aged on oak, adding subtle vanilla tones and a smooth mouthfeel. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 1% other."
Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon rated the wine 90 points, noting that “An element of roundness, almost sweetness, gives this wine a smooth drinkability despite a high tannin level. Deep indulgent blueberry and blackberry-jam flavors are accented by baking spices, cloves and cedar. Best through 2023.” The Wine Advocate critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown – stingy on a good day! – commented, “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon charges out of the gate with notes of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums plus nuances of redcurrants, bouquet garni and forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and appealing freshness, finishing earthy.” Lisa bestowed 88 points (more are deserved!) on the wine. FYI, this wine is available for – believe it or not – as little as $12/bottle.
Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon rated the wine 90 points, noting that “An element of roundness, almost sweetness, gives this wine a smooth drinkability despite a high tannin level. Deep indulgent blueberry and blackberry-jam flavors are accented by baking spices, cloves and cedar. Best through 2023.” The Wine Advocate critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown – stingy on a good day! – commented, “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon charges out of the gate with notes of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums plus nuances of redcurrants, bouquet garni and forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and appealing freshness, finishing earthy.” Lisa bestowed 88 points (more are deserved!) on the wine. FYI, this wine is available for – believe it or not – as little as $12/bottle.
