2017 Newton ‘The Puzzle’ Proprietary Red Napa Valley
"This elegant red is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Freshly turned earth, cedar and dried herbs accent a sizable midpalate of cassis and toasted oak. The tannins are supple and supportive. Virginie Boone" - Wine Enthusiast
The Napa Valley of the 1970's is a far cry from the one we know today. In those early years, there were only a few trailblazers who dared to venture into the wilds of remote areas like Spring Mountain. Instead of simply seeing trees and rugged land, Dr. Sue Hua and Peter Newton envisioned vineyards. In 1977 they purchased a one mile block of land on Spring Mountain overlooking the Napa Valley. When they began planting vines, they did so in 112 separate blocks scattered amongst forested land to maintain the natural balance of the native habitat. At Newton, meticulous farming is met with meticulous winemaking, as the winery was designed so that the fruit has to endure as minimal handling as possible. Caves were dug into the hillside (preserving the gardens above, and offering barrels the ideal natural environment for aging). True to their guiding philosophy of working in harmony with nature, grapes are carefully handled, gently pressed and fermented as individual lots from each of those parcels. Newton is quite renowned for their "Unfiltered" wines, which have been bottled without filtration, preserving the wine's vital freshness and loads of personality.
James Suckling
Lots of blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavors. Tar, too. Full body. Round, polished tannins and a solid, chewy finish. A cabernet sauvignon-based Bordeaux blend that shows integrity for the vintage. Better after 2021.
Wine Spectator
Well-packed, featuring red and black currant fruit and gutsy structure on the back end. Sage and bay leaf notes show in the background, revealing the vintage's rusticity, but there's enough raw material here to wait it out with some cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2022 through 2032.
Jeb Dunnuck
Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon yet blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon The Puzzle offers a saturated purple color to go with a big, smoky nose of black fruits, dark chocolate, violets, and graphite. Nicely textured, full-bodied, and polished on the palate, with good tannins, it's a terrific wine in this vintage that will keep for 15+ years or more.
Wine Enthusiast
This elegant red is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Freshly turned earth, cedar and dried herbs accent a sizable midpalate of cassis and toasted oak. The tannins are supple and supportive.
Decanter
Tight-sewn and classy, with incense spice and lovely purity and freshness of damson, sloe and blackberry fruit. An outstanding effort.