From a vintage shaped by intensity and resilience, the 2017 Ulysses shows a bold and structured character, offering a captivating interplay of red currants, blue fruit, sweet tobacco, and dried sage. The signature Cabernet Sauvignon core (90%) is accented by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, delivering both aromatic lift and textural depth. A product of heat and selectivity, this wine leans toward the classic Napa richness with crisp-edged tannins and a long, earthy finish. Decant well if opening now, or cellar through 2034 to allow its full complexity to unfurl.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 96
Published: Jan 9, 2020

Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.

Decanter | D 93
Published: May 7, 2024
Drink: 2024-2032

The 2017 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville is clearly a child of its growing season, which generally witnessed warm temperatures and a record-setting heat spike of over 44C in early September, causing the fruit to ripen rapidly, reducing yields and upping the concentration. The 2017 incarnation of this perennially excellent red shows the heat of the vintage in its red-fruited profile, which is lifted with blue fruit aromatics and sweet tobacco on the nose. The medium-bodied palate offers red currants, spiced plums, cranberry, and pomegranate notes tinged with dried sage and clove. The tannins have a crispness to them—an edginess, even—and need time to resolve. The finish is long, with an intriguing agave note layered with a turned earth-richness. Best to enjoy over the next 5-8 years.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 5% Cabernet Franc 90% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5+
Published: Apr 7, 2023
Drink: 2025-2034

Christian Moueix’s signature and the Oakville provenance added to the front label from 2017. Very wet winter led to luxuriant vine growth. Many a heatwave and a record-breaking temperature of 112 °F on 1 September, which meant sorting and selection after picking 15 September to 3 October were essential. 1,000 cases produced.
Deep, glowing, dark garnet. Very rich and ripe with a slightly charred edge and a drying finish. This tastes as though the grapes got really, really ripe and it must have been quite a challenge to get them off the vine in good shape. A bold wine for fans of stereotypical Napa Cab? 

Ulyssesvineyard.com

Our team’s intention is to produce a wine reflecting the exceptional potential and individuality of the Ulysses Vineyard. Our approach is minimalist, with attentive observation and restrained intervention. Harvested at perfect ripeness and with the utmost care, the grapes undergo both cluster and berry selection before a gentle vinification and aging.

The wine, estate bottled, calls to mind “authenticity, purity and radiance.”

Ulysses is a distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It should be decanted prior to serving.

Our first vintage, Ulysses 2012, is a finely sculpted wine with elegance and lift.