J. Lohr, St. Helena, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 I’ll begin by expressing an affinity for this appellation – some of California’s best comes from this small area just south of Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley.  While J. Lohr is known for wines from much further south, this is always one of my favorites of theirs.  No disappointment from the 2017, with blackberry, currants, taut wood spice, sturdy tannic structure and a supple grip in the finish.  All of which point to a long life ahead, and a great one at that.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2021 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.