2017 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 % Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon opens to a dense and chewy core with a firm dark fruit presence, offering aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and dark currant with a firm stony minerality and a generous helping of oak. Full-bodied, the wine is tight and rigid with a tannic structure before giving way to a tight frame of black fruit that will need some time to mellow. Concluding with a long, lingering finish, a mineral tension and tannic edge remain persistent on the palate with residual flavors of cedar and blackberry skin. Do let this rest in the wine cellar for a few years before opening.
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
An interesting blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah that's from a mix of sites in the Walla Walla appellation, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Flying B reveals a vivid purple color as well as juicy notes of ripe berry fruits, leafy herbs, graphite, charcoal, and lead pencil. Rich, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and concentrated, with ripe fruit as well as outstanding balance, drink it over the coming 7-8 years.
Rich and almost raisiny nose, some sweetness of fruit and firm tannins. Menthol and sweet cassis with chewy dense tannins and a lot of freshness – again the acid sits slightly apart here. (AC)
Full medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and graphite are a bit darker than those of the 2016. Densely packed, even a bit youthfully imploded, offering terrific energy and peppery vinosity to its chewy flavors of blackberry, cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and minerals. Lovely salinity contributes nuance but there's also enticing fruit sweetness here. Finishes with surprising floral lift and sneaky length, with the chewy, building tannins in need of patience but avoiding dryness even in the early going. This savory, vibrant, firmly structured wine is more pliant and deep than the gripping 2016 but will require patience as well.