Maker: Domaine Berrien, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA.
Grapes: 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec.
Place of origin: Domaine Berrien estate, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Michigan, USA.
Vintage: 2017
ABV: Undisclosed (table wine exception).
Purchased for $21 (Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room, Royal Oak).
Appearance: Brick red.
Nose: Cherry juice, toasted French oak, wild blackberry.
Palate: Medium bodied. Tart and a little chewy. Tart cherry, blackberry, leather.
Finish: Chewy like a good Bordeaux.
Parting words: Crown of Cab is the crown jewel of Domaine Berrien’s cellar. It’s produced every year from a blend of red Bordeaux varieties. In odd numbered years, winemaker and co-owner Wally Maurer aims for a Left Bank Bordeaux, producing a Cab Sauv-forward blend like this one. In even numbered years, he goes for a Right Bank, Merlot & Cab Franc heavy blend.
Although Wally encourages his customers to drink his wines promptly, they are some of the most age-worthy wines produced in the Mitten State. That fact is even more astounding when one factors in how affordable they all are.
At five years old, this blend is just starting to get going. 2017 was an especially fine vintage in Michigan as well, so this wine will probably end up having a long, fulfilling life for anyone who can wait a while.
Speaking of aging, I have a fun series of reviews planned for this winter and spring that involve aging Michigan wine. Watch this space for more information soon!
At any rate, 2017 Crown of Cab is recommended for cellaring and for drinking right now!
Sipology 
Looking forward to your post on aging. I hope you address the issue of aging white wines in the United States. We find that most people here prefer recent vintages of white wines. However, we think our oaked Chardonnay and our dry Riesling benefit from some aging.