On the nose, this wine has aromas of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry jam, rose petal, blueberry, chocolate, mocha, vanilla, and brown sugar. On the palate, it delivers flavors of raspberry, dried cranberry, black cherry, vanilla bean, and roasted coffee. The wine has a full-bodied profile that is very balanced in its approach. This wine is a perfect choice for wine lovers who appreciate a luxurious and sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon that has a rich, deep palate with a velvety mouthfeel.
This wine is made from two of Napa's most renowned vineyards: Kenefick Ranch Vineyards in Calistoga and Hanson-Hsieh Vineyard in Oak Knoll, giving it a rich deep palate and great red and black fruit aromas and flavors.
The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, 45% of which were new, to add complexity to the wine. During the aging process, malolactic fermentation occurred in the barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete, which allowed the wine to achieve its supple tannins and velvety mouthfeel.
Critic Ratings
Wine Spectator Review - Issue Mar 31, 2022 - Rated 93:
This has both grippy mountain fruit characteristics as well as a sleekness, with racy-edged black currant, fig and blackberry fruit lined with bramble, apple wood and licorice snap notes. Features a strong finishing kick of fruit at the end, too. Best from 2023 through 2035. 18,850 cases made. — JM
Jeb Dunnuck Review - Tasted 1/27/2021 - Rated 95:
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes all from the estate on Howell Mountain and is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, and the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot. More blue fruits, bay leaf, candied violets, orange blossom, and floral notes emerge from this full-bodied beauty, which reveals a rounded, sexy texture, polished tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles just a few years in the cellar and it's going to keep for 15+. - Jeb Dunnuck
