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Chronicle 2017 'Wax Top' Cabernet Sauvignon

Chronicle 2017 'Wax Top' Cabernet Sauvignon

...choked full of sweet black cherries...
The Tasting Panel
dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
TTP 93
...choked full of sweet black cherries...
The Tasting Panel

Mission Codename East of Eden

Epater la bourgeoisie - a rallying cry used by French Decadent poets in the late 19th century: “to shock or scandalize the middle classes.”

OH yes indeed this one will shock you for the price. Might even shock some of your slurpy somm friends, or anyone who declares they only drink vineyard-designate Cab from Oakville.

Assuming you like 93 point big ole - rock ‘n roller, coat your molar - type of Cabs.

You’ll understand when you taste it. Granted, it’s no Hundred Acre with the golden capsule, or anything of that sort but it has some of the trademarks of those high enders - fruit sourced from a single vineyard just east of Napa, a fancy wax top for example.

And for $19 it simply crushes just about everything else in that range and holds its own against many priced 2-3 time more, maybe even more-more.

JUICY. Up front it’s all chock full of mashed blackberries, melted black licorice, blueberries, pepper, and a little fresh-turned earth. A healthy dose of oak, too. Yes, it’s BOLD, full-bodied, seamless, soft and dangerously easy to drain a bottle. If you can handle it. When in doubt, grab a couple of lbs. of the smokiest BBQed whatever ya dig from your local favorite joint for a night in and wash it down with this, thank us later.

The best part? ZERO guilt at this price… Load up while it’s around because it - WILL. NOT. LAST.

93 Points – The Tasting Panel

“Coming from a single vineyard just east of Napa Valley this Cabernet (95%) utilizes some Petit Verdot (5%). Ripe yet structured, and choked full of sweet black cherries, black raspberries, and black plums. Shows lots of warm cassis, well integrated lightly toasted oak, touch of vanilla, and fine tea spices round it out. Boasts fine grippy tannins with a long savory mouthwatering finish. Approachable now but enough balance and acidity to age gracefully in the cellar for 8-12+ years.”

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Tasting Profile Blackberries, licorice, blueberries, pepper, and earth

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
Chronicle 2017 'Wax Top' Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml Wine Label
Look

Deep, dark ruby with shades of night ranging from the blues to the purples o the blacks

Smell

Chock full of mashed blackberries, ripe cherries, melted black licorice, and blueberries

Taste

A touch of cracked black pepper, cassis, a little fresh-turned earth, and a dose of oak

Finish

Surprisingly long, and dangerously close to the complexity of cult Napa Cabs next door

Pairing

The smokiest BBQed whatever ya dig from your local favorite joint will do just fine

What the Winery Says 2017 'Wax Top' Cabernet Sauvignon

Chronicle
Chronicle
Winemaker
Mike Hengehold
Varietal
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Vintage
2017
Appellation
Napa Valley (as the crow flies!)
Alcohol
14%
Vineyard
Unnamed
Total acidity
5.44 g/L
pH
3.85
Harvest dates
October 22-28, 2017
Aging
17 months
Barrels
50% new French oak

About the Winery Chronicle

Chronicle Winemaker Mike Hengehold
Chronicle Winemaker Mike Hengehold
Chronicle 2017 'Wax Top' Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml Wine Bottle
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Chronicle 2017 'Wax Top' Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Oct 15, 2021 at 11:59 pm
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