2017 Young Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Reserve Napa Valley 750 ml

Young Ridge has been hiding in plain sight since 1995, when founders LeRoy and Patty Young produced their first Cabernet from their two acres of vines in east Napa, planted in 1992. Not long after, they purchased a 99-acre vineyard in Napa County’s Pope Valley, where they built a winery production facility. They hired winemaker Julianna Beckmann Gosling, who learned her craft through stints at Robert Mondavi Winery, Beaulieu Vineyard, and Sterling Vineyards. She crafted an exceptional 2017 from 1995 vines that were just hitting their prime.

Back in January, we tasted many back vintages from Young Ridge, and committed to both the 2004 and the 2017 on the spot. It was such an easy decision. 

This level of Napa Valley richness and elegance should command at least triple the price. This 2017 is fresh and lively, with a lush ripe blackberry core, accented with cassis and licorice with a hint of dark chocolate. Whether you’re one of the lucky buyers of the 2004—or you were too late to lock it in—you’re definitely going to want the 2017, because it’s got at least another decade in the tank and it’s showing beautifully today. We’ll be drinking our bottles around the grill all summer long.