Winemaker Notes
Aromatically even more intoxicating than previous vintages, bolstered by the increase of Cabernet Franc to 15%. Primary notes of black cherry, dark chocolate, raspberry, cedar box, Herbes de Provence, and rose petals intermingle with flavors of blackberry, cocoa powder, soy and black olive. The finish is rich and full bodied with finely polished tannins, a hallmark of this vintage. It's hard not to go back or another glass. Esteemed wine critic Jeb Dunnuck opined the 2017 Oakville Ranch the best Napa Valley Cabernet under $100, and the 2018 is even better. Cépage: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Just phenomenal juice, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch offers up a deep purple hue as well as a stunning array of pure crème de cassis and blueberry fruits interwoven with notions of chocolate, green tobacco, lead pencil, and violets. Reminding me of a great Pomerol (L'Eglise Clinet) with its purity, complexity, and seamlessness, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. This is a powerful wine, yet it shines just as brightly for its elegance and balance. It's going to evolve for 30-35+ years or more.
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James Suckling
A rich, layered red with lots of crushed berries and cherries. Opulent and lush, in Napa style. Needs time for the intense tannins to soften. Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Better after 2021.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon jumps out of the glass with bright, vivacious red and black currants, Morello cherries and blackberries plus hints of lilacs and clove oil. Full-bodied, the muscular black fruit delivers loads of floral accents with a firm, grainy texture and a refreshing, perfumed finish. 490 cases were made.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.