At a glance

Producer

Lewis Cellars

Region

Napa Valley, USA

Grape variety

Red Blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90-$120

Tasting profile

Black currant, blackberry, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar, and hints of spice and vanilla from French oak aging.

Evolution: Fruit concentration will mature to more nuanced earthy, savory and graphite profiles with softer tannins over the next 5-10 years.

At peak: Complete integration of fruit and oak with silky texture and complex tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and forest floor.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity providing freshness

Tannins

Firm, well-structured and grippy but polished

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential of 15+ years with proper cellaring due to concentration and balance

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2042

Optimal window

2023 to 2045

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

The wine is showing good balance of ripe tannins and acidity, still evolving with ripe dark fruit notes and integrated oak.

The 2017 vintage in Napa Valley was very good with balanced weather, allowing gradual phenolic ripening. Lewis Cellars Cuvee L is their flagship Bordeaux blend known for structure and longevity. Based on its high concentration and classic Napa structure, the wine’s peak drinking window spans roughly 10-15 years from vintage, with early maturity starting around 6 years of age. This estimate aligns with the producer’s track record and typical high-quality Napa Bordeaux blends.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, roasted game birds, mature hard cheeses, and dishes with herbaceous sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the wine to open up, soften tannins and reveal complex aromatics.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Lewis Cellars practices sustainable farming methods including limited chemical use, water conservation strategies, and solar energy utilization at their winery. Packaging uses responsibly sourced materials and reduced weight bottles to minimize environmental impact.

Though not certified organic or biodynamic, Lewis Cellars demonstrates sustainable vineyard management and winery practices that significantly reduce environmental impact. Their efforts in water conservation, energy efficiency and sustainable packaging contribute positively to overall sustainability. The wine’s regional production and primary North American market limit transportation emissions compared to imported wines.