WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Sourced from Bosché, Sycamore, and Red Barn Ranch, this wine displays all the classic notes of the Rutherford AVA. It is deep garnet in color and opens with aromas of brambly black fruits, cedar shavings, milk chocolate, graphite and forest floor. The palate is complex and richly textured with flavors of blackberry, coffee, cigar box, and cassis. The tannins are dusty yet well rounded and integrated making this wine lovely now with the ability to age gracefully for decades. This wine will give a Cabernet lover goosebumps!
Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
TASTING NOTES:
This is aromatic with fresh herbs, such as basil and sweet tobacco. Medium to full body with lead-pencil character, creamy tannins and a long, bright finish. Dusty at the end with some mahogany. Fine, polished furniture-like undertone to this. Drink or hold
- James Suckling, 95 pts.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is vibrant and super-expressive right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, plum, chocolate licorice and spice are pushed forward. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc add dimension, especially in the aromatics. This energetic Cabernet has so much to offer. Best after 2024.
- Vinous, 93 pts.
Another small production cuvée (2,000 cases), the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford comes from a handful of sites in Rutherford and offers more medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of red and black currants, tobacco, sandalwood, and cedar. It has some firmer, chewy tannins, so give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar. It will drink well for a decade. Best After 2023
- Jeb Dunnuck, 91 pts.