2017 Passing Time Cabernet Sauvignon

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of blue and black fruits and licorice are lifted by floral and herbal nuances. A very stylish, silky Cabernet Sauvignon with terrific inner-mouth violet lift and sexy oak tones to its fine-grained flavors of dark berries and cocoa powder. Concentrated, savory and very long; more pliant than the 2016 version owing to its nobility of tannins. Very classy juice--and showing brilliantly today. (14.7% alcohol; two-thirds from Seven Hills and one-third from a 1996 planting at Pepper Bridge)

Starting with a rocky minerality that shines through on the nose, the 2017 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows a good core of red and black fruit that highlights the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards. The dark red fruit lingers over the palate with a rocky and softly savory spiced tension, giving way to structured tannins that build on the back end of the mid-palate. The wine is focused on the well-framed finish, with blackcurrant and black raspberry jus sprinkled with a rustic and rocky tension. It's a nicely made wine that drinks well. I want a second sip. 360 cases produced.