2017 Futo 5500
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Tasting notes
Lastly, and I think the top of the lineup, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon 5500 will stand toe to toe with anything in the vintage. Brilliant notes of crème de cassis, jammy blackberries, toasted bread, and a touch of graphite all define the bouquet. This carries to a full-bodied, opulent 2017 that has more fruit, texture, and opulence than most. Nevertheless, it’s flawlessly balanced and a rich, complete Cabernet Sauvignon that needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise in cool cellars for over two decades.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tom Futo's 5500 is supremely distinguished within this range. Silky, plush and incredibly expressive, the 2017 just has so much to offer. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spice, cloves and menthol are some of the many notes that build to form this towering, explosive Cabernet Sauvignon. Just as memorable as it was from barrel, the 2017 5500 is also very clearly one of the wines of the vintage.
The 2017 5500 is shaping up to be a real beauty. Flashy, exotically ripe and voluptuous, the 2017 possesses more density and plushness than has been the norm since Futo' s first vintage here in 2012. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, pomegranate, spice and blood orange flesh out effortlessly. Ample, full-bodied and exceptionally balanced, the 2017 is a total stunner.
This wine comes from a vineyard planted in 1986 at 150 to 300 feet in elevation. A barrel sample, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon 5500 has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and sings of red and black currants, kirsch and lilacs with hints of stewed tea, tobacco, wild sage and forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate has beautiful vibrancy and a compelling grainy texture that lends to the savory/earthiness on the long, refreshing finish.