95
Points
Technical info
Alcohol
15.0%
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa
Oak treatment
100% French Oak (100% new)
Vintage
The 2017 vintage provided high quality thanks to lower than average yields. The year began with abundant rainfall. Spring weather was mild, resulting in extended flowering in some areas with little shatter. Vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. A freak hail storm passed through quickly in June causing isolated damage. Three heat events, including one over Labor Day weekend, kicked harvest into high gear, dehydrating some grapes by early September. Cool weather arrived immediately afterward, allowing sugar levels to return to normal. Most late-ripening red grapes continued to hang on the vine and were picked throughout October.
Vineyards
Pauli Vineyard is located on Howell Mountain. The 15-acre vineyard has volcanic-based soils that are restrictive and thus foster grapes of great intensity and structure. Pauli Vineyard first appeared in the Private Reserve blend at the 2009 vintage. Pauli Cabernet shows a luscious fruit core from the outset, accentuated by ripe tannins.
