This is the first year that Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 100% of the Grand Vin State Lane. Aged in French oak, 90% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard slowly unfurls to reveal tantalizing notes of chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries and crème de cassis with nuances of pencil lead, bouquet garni, tree bark and crushed rocks plus a waft of iron ore. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated yet with fantastic tension, the palate has a firm backbone of grainy tannins to support throughout the long, mineral-tinged finish. (LPB)

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is, for the first time, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the more reticent wines in this range, the Grand Vin is also going to need a bit of time to shed some of its tannic heft. Cedar, leather and spice add gorgeous aromatic complexity. Rich, brooding and quite powerful, the 2017 offers a lot of potential but it is not especially forthcoming today; that should not be an issue in time. Clearly, the pure Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is a bit of a stylistic departure from the past. All the 2017 needs is patience. (AG) 95+