Description
Critical Acclaim
Based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) and a small amount of Merlot (13%), the 2017 The Bard is another ripe, sexy wine that has more sweetness of fruit than most in the vintage. Black cherries, blackberries, scorched earth, graphite, and some violets notes all dominate the nose, and it's beautifully textured and balanced on the palate. It’s beautiful today yet has 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.
This is tight and focused with firm, lightly dusty tannins. Blueberries and blackcurrants. Violets as well. Tannic and chewy finish. Vertical line of tannins running through it. Drink after 2022.
Just bottled, the 2017 The Bard is bright and fruity, with lovely red berry character. The more mid-weight side of the year comes through in a perfumed, gracious Bard that offers tons of sensuality and plenty of class. I would give it another year or two in bottle to allow the oak to fully integrate. Even in the early going, the 2017 is super expressive.