Silver Heights The Summit 2017
Silver Heights · Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
At a glance
- Producer
- Silver Heights
- Region
- Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
- Grape variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $65-$85
Tasting profile
Rich black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), graphite, cedar, and subtle smoky oak
Evolution: Will develop more complex tertiary aromas like leather, tobacco, and earthy nuances
At peak: Balanced integration of fruit, oak, and tertiary notes with silky tannins and long finish
Structure
- Acidity
- Moderate to vibrant acidity
- Tannins
- Firm but velvety
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Aging potential
- 15+ years with cellar conditions
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2025 to 2042
- Optimal window
- 2022 to 2045
- Current status
- Drinking very well, approaching peak
- Current condition
- Fruit is well integrated with developing tertiary notes; tannins are ripe and polished
The 2017 vintage in Valle de Guadalupe provided ideal ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon with excellent phenolic maturity. The wine’s structure and balanced acidity suggest a long aging window that will develop complexity for up to 15 years or more. It is drinking well now with fruit forward character but will become more nuanced and refined over the next decade.
Food pairing
Pair with grilled lamb, roasted game birds, aged hard cheeses like Manchego, or smoked beef dishes.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and open up aromatics, especially before peak maturity
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Silver Heights employs drip irrigation, soil conservation, and integrated pest management; uses low-intervention winemaking techniques
While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, Silver Heights demonstrates strong commitment to sustainable viticulture in a semi-arid climate by minimizing water use and chemical inputs. Export transportation impacts carbon footprint, but overall winery practices contribute positively.