At a glance

Producer

Breones

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$80 USD retail

Tasting profile

Ripe blackcurrant and blackberry, dried plum, hints of cedar and cigar box, dusty cocoa, with balanced vanilla oak influence and velvety tannins.

Evolution: Primary fruit now blends with complex tertiary notes: tobacco, leather, forest floor, but structure remains lively.

At peak: At peak, dense dark fruit, harmonious oak integration, savory spices, full mid-palate, persistent finish, with secondary earth and graphite nuances.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate, balanced with the ripeness

Tannins

Medium to full, well-integrated

Alcohol

Typically 14.2%-14.8% ABV

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage, with graceful plateau from years 6-9

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2026

Optimal window

2021 to 2027

Current status

Developed, approaching peak maturity

Current condition

Displays integrated tannins and mature fruit, drinking well now but will hold and evolve positively for a few more years

The 2017 Napa vintage favored structured, ageworthy Cabernets. After 6-8 years, tannins have smoothed but the wine retains freshness and layered complexity. It should remain at its best for several more years before softening noticeably and losing core fruit intensity.

Food pairing

Grilled ribeye with rosemary, lamb shank, aged cheddar or gouda, mushroom risotto, or black lentil stew.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to full tannins that are well-integrated, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Standard Napa Valley viticulture, possible use of integrated pest management, conventional irrigation, typical Californian attention to ecosystem preservation but limited public detail on energy/water conservation or packaging innovation.

Breones is a small/medium Napa producer with no public sustainability certifications or detailed environmental/purpose initiatives (Napa Green, SIP, or USDA Organic not listed for this wine). Typical practices meet Napa’s generally high regional standards but are not independently verified or leading-edge in sustainability. Glass packaging and distance-to-market further raise its carbon profile compared to local or certified sustainable alternatives.