2017 Cayuse Cabernet Sauvignon The Widowmaker
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Tasting notes
Bright, dark red with ruby tones. Aromas of dark raspberry, chimney soot, smoked meat and dark chocolate, plus a hint of black olive; I would have guessed this wine included some Syrah. Rich, smooth and savory on entry, then opulent but not heavy in the middle palate, offering a thicker texture than the foregoing samples but also good subtle energy and firmness. Sweet dark fruits came up nicely with aeration. There's a sexy sweetness here but this rather savory style of Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a remarkably seamless texture to its flavors of currant, spices, minerals and game. Finishes firm and alive, with smooth palate-saturating tannins and lovely horizontality. This wine may not be as complex as the 2016 was at the same stage, but it's more pliant in the middle and should be accessible earlier.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2017 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard begins with boisterous black fruits on the nose with subtleties of graphite, blackcurrant and dried violets before expressing hints of crème de cassis and smoked earth. Full-bodied, the wine is rich and round, offering a generous yet balanced structure to last about two decades. Accessible in youth, the wine ends with a silky, supple finish that continues to evolve with complexity for moments after the wine has left the palate and will surely deliver pleasure. 232 cases produced. Good luck finding some.
The 2017 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin is another Bordeaux look-alike (it reminds me of a wine from the Graves region) that has loads of blackcurrant and cassis as well as leafy tobacco, cedar pencil, chocolate, cold fireplace and Asian spices on both the nose and palate. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has a wonderfully seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. This beautiful, elegant yet powerful Cabernet Sauvignon will drink well for 20-30 years or more. The 2017s from Christophe Baron show the more elegant, balanced style of the vintage nicely while still showing plenty of depth and concentration. These are singular, gorgeous wines that could come from nowhere else.