This vintage is considered excellent to outstanding in the Napa Valley. A lack of rain at critical points in the season led to a crop of ripe, rich fruit that produced well-balanced and supple wines. More than half of the Cabernet Sauvignon for the Private Reserve, as well as the 3 percent Cabernet Franc added to the blend, came from the Bancroft Ranch vineyard. The balance of the Cabernet Sauvignon came from the Chabot, St. Helena Home and State Lane vineyards. The wine is opulent, with a more forward style than the 1991 Private Reserve—big and forceful with great approachability. Its deep fruit flavors are overlaid with fine oak, and the tannins are well integrated.
PR Cab components: 57% Bancroft Ranch, 21% State Lane, 14% St. Helena Home, 5% Chabot, 3% Bancroft Cabernet Franc
- Lush, ripe fruit
- Pretty, elegant wine
- Aromas more subdued than in the past
- Nice balance between fruit and oak
- Cedar, into and coffee, covers the palette with black fruit
- Nice long aftertaste
Drink or hold comments: Hold
1977
