2017 was a hot one marking it the last vintage in a string of drought years. Because of the heat we saw early budbreak in the vineyard which led to the development of a small-berried crop with intense, fruit-driven flavors. An incredible heat spike arrived Labor Day that further reduced the crop condensing flavors even more. We had an earlier than usual harvest and harvested twenty-five percent less fruit than typical.
The 2017 Kashmir reserve selection is a harmonious, complex and explosive Cabernet Sauvignon. The deep rich hue of color signals the array of aromas that await—candied black raspberries, briar-patch blackberries, violets, crushed rocks and graphite lead the way. Secondary aromas of black currants, milk chocolate, licorice, marzipan, suede, freshly picked blueberries and lavender follow.
The palate is seamless and sublime, emphasizing elegance and grace with punctuated notes of black berried fruits. The flavors are carried by velvety tannins that linger and give momentum to a lengthy, memorable finish. This wine bears all of the hallmarks of Kamen Estate terroir and will cellar over the next 25 years.
“The 2017 Kashmir, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is rich and deep, with tremendous vertical explosiveness and lift. Black cherry, plum, lavender, chocolate, leather, licorice and spice all develop in the glass, but more than anything else I am struck by the wine’s sense of refinement. This is an unctuous, full-throttle and exceptionally beautiful wine.” 96 points.
—Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2020