96pts James Suckling

This is really firm and long with a solid core of tannins, earthy fruit and firmness. Medium to full body. Serious structure and length. Juicy and savory. The tension and form to this is beautiful. Classic, traditional Napa. 45% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 21% cabernet franc, 5% malbec and 3% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but better in 2024.

Winemaker Notes

The 2017 Cain Five shows both elegance and grace. The nose gives classic Cain Vineyard aromas of bramble, citrus, and tar. This wine is refreshing on the palate with a nice warmth, soft tannins, and a long finish. It is easy to enjoy now, while also promising a long life ahead.

If the Cain Five is utterly unique, distinctive in both aroma and taste, this can only reflect the Cain Vineyard, which gives birth to this wine and is both spectacular and idiosyncratic. Composed of the five classic varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot—Cain Five epitomizes the benefits of blending to achieve a complex wine. It is supple and rich of texture, combining a full, firm structure with a long and subtle finish.