Winemaker Notes
Showcasing a beautiful violet color in the glass, this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon lures you in at the first glance. The vibrantly intense flavors of plump dark fr uit, dark cherry, coco powder, greet the palate. The velvety tannins add structure and send a wave of luxuriously rich texture. A blend of baking spices and dark chocolate weave seamlessly to create an essence of Mexican hot chocolate.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has a polished nose of ripe plum, blueberry, milk chocolate and sandalwood. Some stem and tobacco on the palate, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, dusty tannins. Rich style with a chalky finish. Try from 2022.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color and savory notions of the nose of beef drippings, dried bay leaves and spice box over a core of plum preserves, warm cassis and mulberries plus a waft of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a lovely restrained, earthy character with plenty of black fruit intensity and a grainy texture, finishing with compelling freshness.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.