Winery/Vineyard: Masia de la Vinya Winery
Product/Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2017
AVA on Bottle: Temecula Valley
Winemaker: Justin Knight
Rating: 89
3.9 out of 5 stars on Vivino (all vintages).
85/100 from Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage).
How They Describe It
Our 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied with deep aromas of rose petals and flavors of fresh baked cherry pie with a slight bite of white pepper on the finish. Pairs well with a skill-seared beef tenderloin and blue cheese butter.
How I Describe It
Appearance
The 2017 bottling of Masia de la Vinya’s Cabernet Sauvignon shows medium ruby, with a tinge of garnet. This age-related color change makes sense for Masia de la Vinya, as winemaker Justin Knight prefers to release his wines after aging to optimal drinkability, as opposed to releasing them while still young.
Nose
The Masia de la Vinya 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon leads with aromas of black currant, black cherry and strawberry, mixed with a touch of blueberry and plum. “Greener” scents of bell pepper and eucalyptus meld with bread dough and subtler notes of lavender, asparagus, and dill. Oaky smells manifest with vanilla, cloves, and mahogany. Meanwhile, notes of maturity present as leather, tobacco, and forest floor.
Palate
This is a wine with flavors which reliably follow the nose, both in variety and intensity. Currant, black cherry, strawberry, and plum flesh display out front. Black pepper, charred wood, cloves, toast, and cedar create a spiced undertone. A velvety tannic mouthfeel complements flavors of leather, tobacco, and forest floor.
The Masia de la Vinya 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is dry, with medium alcohol (13.8% ABV). High, velvety tannins mix with medium acid to produce medium-plus body, medium flavor intensity, and a medium-plus finish.
Why is This Wine Special?
Just like Masia de la Vinya’s other releases, their 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon has been matured at the winery. In other words, you don’t need to drink it young, or wait to see how the wine develops. Winemaker Justin Knight purposely released the wine as it entered optimal maturity.
Consequently, the Masia de la Vinya 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon features a delightful blend of freshly fruit-forward and mature characteristics. That is to say, the interplay between juicy black and red fruits next to leather and earth are a real pleasure. It’s a very fun wine to drink.
When & How I Would Drink It
Above all, the Masia de la Vinya 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding food-pairing wine. Whether snacking on pretzels or broccoli with ranch dip, or diving into a juicy bleu cheese bacon burger, this is a particularly nice bottling to open alongside. For me, the flavors are robust and balanced enough to complement good food — both the food and the wine taste better for the combination.
How to Get It
Order Online: https://www.masiadelavinya.com/prod-390935/2017-Cabernet-Sauvignon-750ml-138.html
Bottle Price: $42.00 ($33.60 for wine club members)
Cases Produced: unknown
Have you tried the Masia de la Vinya 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon? How did the tasting notes compare with your experience? Leave a comment below.