Crown Point 2017 Estate Selection
"Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the 2017 Estate Selection reflects what's planted on the estate. It spends 26 months in 75% new French oak. This deep purple beauty boasts a rocking core of blueberry and cassis fruit as well notes of tobacco leaf, violets, chocolate, and spice box. Full-bodied, it offers wonderful purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and a balanced, elegant style." -Jeb Dunnuck, 94-96JD
The hidden gem of Santa Barbara County wines, Crown Point Vineyards in the Happy Canyon AVA is quietly producing some of California's best Bordeaux blends. An existing vineyard misplaced to Syrah, owner Roger Bower purchased the estate in early 2013, then set out to make the best Cab-blends in the state. First order of business - bring in some firepower. World-renowned oenologists Michel Rolland (Ch Ausone, CH Pavie, Harlan, Bryant Family Wines & Screaming Eagle) and Philippe Melka (Ch Haut-Brion, Petrus, Hundred Acre, Dominus & Dana Estates) were brought on board, as well as Harlan winemaker Adam Henkel. That team stayed intact through 2019 when Adam left and fellow Frenchman Simon Faury (also via Harlan) took his place.
Leveraging the power of Santa Barbara's transverse mountain range, the rocky volcanic and loam soils are cooled by nightly breezes, affording their Bordeaux varietals the unique benefit of inland empire heat during the day, but coastal temps at night that elongate the growing season. Consumers and critics alike have taken notice, putting this 2,500 case producer in the world's finest restaurants, and on most wine report's "Best Of" lists.
Vintage | 2017 |
Varietal Composition | 55% Cab Sauv, 14% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 10% Cab Franc & 8% P. Verdot |
Appellation | Happy Canyon |
Vineyard | Crown Point |
Alcohol | 14.00% |
Volume | 750 ml |
Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
Sparkling Wine | Yes |