Are these drinking well now? Thinking about doing a little tasting with w&m, myriad, Macdonald etc
I would love to see your notes on the 2017 William & Mary wines…
4 Likes
I only have the cab, not a big fan of blends
I picked 17 because I have a whole lot of 17 Macdonald so want a checkin.
1 Like
Bought a few W&M cab '17s off wine bid and opened one in March to get a sense of the wines / see if I wanted to try and join the list. It’s young, but thought it was drinking well:
On p+p, blueberry pie nose, palate has a bit of tobacco and tannic structure, saline acidity, very long finish, red fruited. Structured, but not confected - Enjoyable, punchy wine in an off vintage, but there’s a definite tannic wall in the mid-palate that hasn’t resolved - could use some time, but enjoyable now. After 2 hours in the decanter, dark fruit, cedar and 5 spice on the nose. Palate is better integrated but tannic structure still present and very fresh. Acid is almost piquant but not tangy or tart. Lovely fruit, long finish. Better on day 2, just a really nice cali cab. Touch more sweetness from the fruit, more earth and sandalwood on the nose - really smooth, still structured and complex
1 Like
As long as you don’t drink them side by side with any other vintage you’ll enjoy them. They all feel a bit thin to me but still can be enjoyable.
1 Like
lol this is so accurate. took the words right out of my mouth.
1 Like
I had the 2017 W&M cab last week and I think JimJP’s note mostly reflects my experience, except the tannins seem to have resolved more (although I am pretty tannin tolerant).
We had the 2017 W&M alongside a 2001 Ladera Howell Mountain cabernet and a 2001 Pontet-Canet. My cali cab leaning friends ranked it #1 Ladera, #2 W&M and #3 P-C. I’m a bit more classical and scored the W&M #3, but only because it is still so young and primary. I was reminded that, for me, high quality cabs really need the 10+ years to show all that they can offer, so 2017 Napa is still a “hold”.
Michael, I know you’re an experienced drinker, so this is more of a general musing.
2 Likes
Haven’t opened any yet. They’ll be sideways at least 4 more years.
1 Like
For an “off” vintage, I’ve had some nice bottles recently, including Lewelling, Maybach Materium, and Realm The Bard.
Have not had experience with the ones you mention, Michael, but would not necessarily say they are not yet in their drinking window.
1 Like
Yeah I’m sure more time can’t hurt.