Vintage: 2017
Wine Name/Vineyard: Ken Deis
Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottle size: 750 ml
Region: Napa Valley
State or country: California
Price: $59.99
ABV: 14.5%
Cases produced: N/A
The Barrel Cellar Score: 90 points
Review date: November 29, 2021
About the Winemaker: Ken Deis in his words has “been around the block.” Evidence of his experience is obvious from the consistent quality of his wines. This is high praise considering that his winemaking resume than the more than 40 years long.
Today, I’m reviewing Ken’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon which he released through NakedWines.com. Ken, on the bottle, credits them for providing the opportunity to focus on making quality wines, without having to worry about “administrative tasks”.
Barrel Cellar readers can take advantage of our offer to receive this wine for over half off here.
Color: Deep Purple
Nose: Cherry pie with graham cracker crust, cranberry, and oak
Taste: Oak, vanilla, dark fruit, black pepper, and the slightest hint of milk chocolate
Assessment: The story of this wine is oak done right. There is oak on the nose, oak on the palate, and more oak on the finish. What is most impressive is that the oak is integrated perfectly, it compliments, it doesn’t overwhelm. It is tannic, but not bitter, buttery but not coating, and dry, though not overwhelmingly so.
The oak is the perfect partner to the deep notes of dark fruit. The result is a rich, almost dessert like mouthfeel without even a hint of sweetness.
The scales of balance on this wine definitely lean towards tannic, but there is a nice splash of acidity that keeps it bright rather than inky or jammy. Newer vintages can cellar for at least a couple of years, but the 2017 is ready to drink now.
https://naked-wines.pxf.io/c/1374620/1115324/13852
Pairing recommendation: Young Goat Cheese, charcoal grilled ribeye, or chocolate covered caramel.
The Barrel Cellar gives Ken Deis 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 points.
The Barrel Cellar 