| |
Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2018 Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Tasting Notes:
WA 99 (1/2021): This “Schrader” label comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C2 block. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a wonderfully perfumed nose of potpourri, baking spices and dusty soil over a core of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and flamboyant Indian spices. Full-bodied, super firm with super ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it delivers layer upon layer of black fruit preserves and exotic spices, finishing long and beautifully poised. Give it a good 3-5 years in bottle to really strut its stuff and drink it over the next 30+ years.
JD 98+ (1/2021): A powerful, backward, and concentrated wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader exhibits a dense purple/plum color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco leaf. It takes plenty of air to show at its best, and I suspect 3-4 years of bottle age are warranted, but this full-bodied, multi-dimensional 2018 has flawless balance, building tannins, and is just loaded with potential.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Schrader |
2006 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2008): One of the more backward efforts is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Schrader. It is dense and full-bodied, but holding more in reserve. |
|
|
2008 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader, which comes from Clones 4, 6 and 337, is slightly more structured and perhaps not as velvety as the CCS or RBS. Again, blue fruits, black fruits, camphor, charcoal and burning ember characteristics are presented in a full-bodied, powerful style that balances intensity with elegance and an uncanny equilibrium. This is another stunning wine that should benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for 25-30+ years. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is one of the more plush, overt wines in this lineup. There is tremendous depth in the fruit in this massive, sweeping wine. The aromas and flavors build towards the cascading finish. The Schrader is a decidedly big, muscular wine that emphasizes power over detail. The Schrader is predominantly clone 4 from the D2 block, with a dollop of clone 6 from the D2 block and clone 337 from the B2 block. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. |
|
|
2012 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2014): Nearly as prodigious is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard, which is Clone 4 and Clone 6 blended together from the Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard, this is the highest in alcohol of the 2012s at 14.6%. It was aged in a combination of 50% new Darnajou and 50% new Taransaud barrels. This wine is one of the tighter, more backward of the 2012s, with more structure, tannin, muscle, a masculine personality, oodles of black and blue fruits and a massive mouthfeel, but is somehow much more primary and younger tasting than the other wines. Forget it for a few years and drink it over the following 20-25 years. |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (1/2021): This “Schrader” label comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from clone 4 grown on the C2 block. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a wonderfully perfumed nose of potpourri, baking spices and dusty soil over a core of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and flamboyant Indian spices. Full-bodied, super firm with super ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it delivers layer upon layer of black fruit preserves and exotic spices, finishing long and beautifully poised. Give it a good 3-5 years in bottle to really strut its stuff and drink it over the next 30+ years.
JD 98+ (1/2021): A powerful, backward, and concentrated wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader exhibits a dense purple/plum color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco leaf. It takes plenty of air to show at its best, and I suspect 3-4 years of bottle age are warranted, but this full-bodied, multi-dimensional 2018 has flawless balance, building tannins, and is just loaded with potential. |
|
|
2019 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$335 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (12/2021): Another spicy, complex, gorgeous wine in every sense, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader reminds me of the CCS with its pure, seamless, perfectly balanced style. Lots of cassis fruits, notes of flowery incense, baking spices, leather, and unsmoked tobacco, silky tannins, remarkable purity, and a great finish all define this beauty, and it's certainly up with the crème de la crème of this great vintage. |
|
|
2009 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as big, tight and powerful. This is one of the more reticent, inward of the 2009 Schraders. Tar, licorice, menthol and violets are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, virile finish. Today the CCS is a touch compact. It will merit a higher score if the fruit fills out a little more. CCS is clone 4 from the C1 block. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2017 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$285 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2020): Another wine in the running for the wine of the vintage is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS, which, as always, is all Cabernet aged in new Darnajou barrels. This full-bodied, magical 2017 has incredibly polished, silky tannins as well as a mammoth-sized texture and mouthfeel. Loaded with notions of blueberries, white flowers, graphite, candied violets, and incense, it’s one of those wines that carries incredible richness and depth yet never seems heavy or cumbersome. The 2017 doesn’t get much better, and this beauty can be drunk today or cellared for two decades. |
|
|
2008 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2010): The 2008s were bottled in early summer, 2010. From the Beckstoffer Vineyard, the opaque blue/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon George III Clone 337 rocks out of the glass with brilliant aromas of creme de cassis, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood, licorice and incense. The wine is deep, full-bodied, dense and concentrated with Outstanding purity, texture and length. It is approachable now (one of the seductive characteristics of these wines) yet is capable of lasting 25 or more years. |
|
|
2010 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer George III Vineyard, made from clone 337, had a total production of 110 cases (compared to 260+ for the 2012). Its gorgeous nose reveals aromas of creme de cassis, blueberries, raspberries, vanillin and notions of cedarwood as well as incense. Deep and full-bodied with fabulous purity, a hallmark of all these wines, this spectacular 2010 has plenty of structure, but the fruit intensity and richness largely obscure the wine’s tannic profile. This beauty will be drinkable in several years and keep for 30 years.
VM 96 (12/2012): Schrader's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard bursts from the glass with explosive dark blue and black fruit, exotic spices, flowers and menthol. There is an inner energy and tension in the GIII that makes this bottling stand out. Readers will want to give the 2010 a few years in the cellar, but it is strikingly beautiful even today. Over time, as I followed it, the wine continued to open up in the glass and put on considerable weight. In 2010, the GIII is a true standout. The GIII is clone 337 from the F block. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2021): Lots of classic darker, herbal notes define the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, a rich, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. With air, more chocolate, espresso, and spice notes emerge from the glass, and this medium to full-bodied, textured, ripe, yet also elegant 2019 is going to drink brilliantly for another 20 years or so. (Drink between 2021-2041).
WA 95 (9/2022): All Clone 337 from F Block, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard GIII delivers masses of black raspberries and cassis, accented by dark chocolate, tobacco and cedar. This full-bodied wine is high-octane stuff, but carries it well, framed by supple tannins and finishing rich, velvety and long. |
|
|
2018 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 97+ (1/2021): This is the very first vintage of this new label for Schrader. True to Schrader form, the wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single block in the southern part of Mondavi’s section of To Kalon vineyard. The “Heritage Clone,” a.k.a. clone 39, is pretty much exclusive to Mondavi To Kalon, with the exception of some cuttings Robert Mondavi may have given out. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown noted that this clone produces very small bunches and tiny berries, equating to super intense fruit. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of stewed blueberries, plum preserves, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth, giving way to hints of beef drippings, iron ore, espresso, tobacco leaf and dried roses. Medium-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and loads of bright, lively freshness lifting the densely packed berry preserves layers, finishing very long and very spicy. This is certainly a singular style—somewhat atypical for the 2018 vintage, but nonetheless compelling. |
|
|
2019 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$305 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (12/2021): My notes on the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone started with a big "Wow," and it's clearly a structured, serious, incredibly impressive 2019. Giving up plenty of cassis and assorted black and blue fruits, it has a distinct sense of minerality as well as classic Cabernet tobacco, lead pencil, and tobacco leaf nuances. With bright acidity, building tannins, and a concentrated, massive, backward mouthfeel, it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and should have decades of prime drinking. |
|
|
2022 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$190 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2025): Schrader's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard is based on what has become known as Clone 31, about which winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown said, "Commercially nonviable is how I'd describe it—unless you grow it, bottle it and sell it for a lot of money." Scents of black cherries, loam, dried spices and dark chocolate appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky-textured and harmonious. It's a terrific wine from a challenging vintage.
Decanter 96 (1/2024): The Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is famously sourced from the low-yielding N2S block, planted in the late 1980s. This unique clone, isolated by viticulturist Phil Freeze and available through UC Davis, has garnered significant attention. ‘It reminds me of Clone 6 out of Block D2 in Beckstoffer To Kalon, which was the basis for Old Sparky,’ says winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. "This wine shares that density and intrigue." On the nose, it opens with dusty minerals, floral spices, and exotic brown spice notes. The palate is captivating, offering remarkable density and mid-palate intensity. High-toned florals and rooibos tea notes weave throughout, adding complexity to vibrant mango, apricot, peach pit, and cherry blossom flavours. An underlying freshness factor keeps the wine bright and dynamic. This is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing wines of the vintage from Schrader, showcasing both elegance and power. (Drink between 2025-2038)
JD 95 (1/2025): Red and black plums, cassis, spice oak, violets, and incense nuances all shine in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone, a pure, concentrated, elegant To Kalon that's full-bodied, has pure, polished tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's a structured, big, burly wine in 2022 that warrants 2-4 years in the cellar. It should keep through at least 2037. |
|
|
2015 |
LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2017): Coming from the Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, from blocks C and E that are planted to clones 337 and 4, respectively, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv has a very deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed black berries, black currant cordial and garrigue with wafts of sage, mocha and cedar chest plus a hint of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and very tightly knit, the palate reveals great elegance and sophistication, with slowly revealing layers and a lovely minerality coming through on the long finish. 2,017 cases produced. |
|
|
2017 |
MB To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$315 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (1/2020): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block is always terrific, yet I always find it more linear and foursquare compared to some of the other releases in the lineup. Nevertheless, it offers a terrific bouquet of gravelly earth, ground herbs, chocolaty dark fruits, and some obvious minerality. This full-bodied Cabernet is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 plus. |
|
|
2019 |
MB To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (12/2021): Revealing a vivid purple hue as well as a powerful, more black-fruited, iron, tobacco, and scorched earth-like aromatic profile, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block is full-bodied, has a rich, powerful attack, great mid-palate density, and brilliant tannins. Coming from a famous block located on the western side of this great vineyard, brought up in new barrels, it's another 2019 that has a rounded, supple, approachable style while also bringing impressive density, depth, and structure. |
|
|
2022 |
MB To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$190 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2025): Cassis, darker chocolate, lead pencil, and smoked tobacco all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block, a beautifully textured, full-bodied 2022 that has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It doesn’t get much better in the vintage, and while it has the upfront appeal of the vintage, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045).
WA 95 (6/2025): Comprising 48 acres planted to several varieties, Mondavi's Monastery Block gets divided up among various brands. Schrader's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block To Kalon Vineyard offers up compelling scents of dried herbs (thyme?), cassis and perfumed violets on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated, velvety and perhaps a touch warm; the long finish adds a touch of dark chocolate. |
|
|
2013 |
MMXIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,500 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky, which is essentially made from clone 4 from two separate blocks, clone 6 and clone 337, is another perfect wine from the Schraders. I suppose it’s a little boring to say, and perhaps I can be accused of creating unrealistic expectations on the part of readers, but this is as great as Cabernet can be. Tasting like a first-growth Pauillac, the wine is opaque purple and has a fabulous nose of lead pencil, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry and the telltale cassis. There is also some licorice and sweet oak, the tannins are ripe, and the wine full-bodied. Built like a skyscraper, with an incredible finish (like most of these wines) going on for 50 seconds to a minute, this amazing wine should still be drinking splendidly well at age 25 or 30. |
|
|
2018 |
MMXVIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,595 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (1/2021): There are few vintages of Old Sparky that don't merit a perfect rating, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky isn't one of them. This flawless wine offers up a wild smorgasbord of aromas and flavors, with loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, scorched earth, lead pencil, violets, blood orange, tobacco, and flowery incense all developing with time in the glass. Deep purple-hued and incredibly full-bodied, it has ripe, silky tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. This magical wine stays weightless and elegant on the palate, never seeming heavy, cumbersome, or over the top, and it's a wine that just begs to be drunk yet will evolve for decades. Hats off to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for yet another heavenly Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that could come from nowhere else in the world. Life is too short not to have experienced this cuvée! (Drink between 2021-2041) |
|
|
2017 |
Monastery Block To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$265 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (1/2020): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block is always terrific, yet I always find it more linear and foursquare compared to some of the other releases in the lineup. Nevertheless, it offers a terrific bouquet of gravelly earth, ground herbs, chocolaty dark fruits, and some obvious minerality. This full-bodied Cabernet is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 plus. |
|
|
2009 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as dark, plush and inviting, but with greater inner focus and minerality than some of the other wines here. Graphite, smoke, tar and licorice are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, juicy finish. I especially admire the way the RBS grows in the glass as it turns more explosive over time, yet never loses its more refined shades of expression. The RBS is 100% clone 337 from the B1 and B2 blocks. According to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, it is the addition of fruit from B2 (new this year) that gives the 2009 much of its personality. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
|
2018 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (1/2021): Schrader’s RBS comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from 337 clone grown on blocks B1, B2 and E2. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious exotic spice scents—cumin seed, cloves and star anise—over a core of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and black currant pastilles plus a waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with spicy, open-knit black fruit preserves flavors, marked by bright red-fruit accents. Supported by great tension and velvety tannins, it finishes on a lingering cinnamon toast note. 1,715 cases were made.
JD 99 (1/2021): Another heavenly wine in the lineup is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, which comes from Clone 337 and a handful of different blocks in the vineyard. This deep purple-hued beauty has an incredibly seamless, elegant, yet full-bodied style as well as killer notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, wildflowers, violets, white chocolate, and new saddle leather. Flirting with perfection, the tannin quality, purity of fruit, balance, and overall harmony here is just about off the charts. It makes you want to drink the whole bottle, but it should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
JS 97 (1/2021): Aromas of red fruit, plums, herbs and dark chocolate with some bark and forest-floor notes. Full-bodied, yet very finely crafted and poised. Lots of fresh and dry herbs to the dark fruit at the finish. Lasts a long time. Try after 2024. |
|
|
2006 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2008): The similarly-styled 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon T6 displays extraordinary focus and precision along with lavish amounts of creme de cassis fruit intermixed with smoked herbs, milk chocolate, and burning embers. Powerful yet silky-textured and sumptuously rich, this is another stunner to drink over the next 20-25 years.
VM 97 (10/2013): Schrader’s 2006 and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon T6, also from my cellar, were showstoppers. I preferred the 2006 for its explosive, vibrant personality, sumptuous fruit and exceptional pedigree. The 2006 was flat-out breathtaking. Wow. |
|
|
2012 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6, which is from Clone 6 in a different block of Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, is aged in 86% new Darnajou and 14% new Taransaud. This wine is not terribly different, but Clone 6 is believed to be old Bordeaux clones brought over to Napa Valley and propagated. The wine has terrific fruit intensity, blackcurrants, blackberry, licorice, creosote and espresso roast. Deep, full-bodied, powerful and rich, this, again, shows the vintage’s voluptuous texture, full-bodied power and richness. |
|
|
2017 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2020): In the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (which was harvested the morning of the fires) that spent 20 months in 92% new French oak. This is a powerhouse of a wine that’s loaded with fruit and richness, yet it still just glides across the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Dense purple-hued, with lots of chocolaty black and blue fruits, incense, and spice as well as unsmoked tobacco, give bottles 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades |
|
|
2018 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2021): Rocking levels of blueberries, creme de cassis, exotic spices, tobacco, cigar wrapper, and candied violets emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6, which is full-bodied, has a ripe, concentrated mouthfeel, and lots of building tannins. There's no shortage of structure here, yet the tannins are sweet and polished, it has nicely integrated acidity and just beautiful overall balance, although it remains relatively tight and doesn't have the same opulent, expansive mouthfeel found in the CCS, RBS, and Schrader releases. Regardless, it's an incredibly impressive bottle of wine. Give bottles 4-5 years, and it's going to cruise for 20 years or more. |
|
|
2019 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (12/2021): A big, muscular, powerful wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 boasts a monster note of blackcurrants, fresh plums, scorched earth, tobacco, and chocolate. This all carries to a full-bodied 2019 with the ripe, savory, concentrated style of the vintage, building tannins, no shortage of fruit, and a great, great finish. It's certainly one of the biggest, richest, more structured wines in the lineup, yet the balance is spot on and everything is in the right places. It's going to take at least 7-8 years for this puppy to shed some of its considerable baby fat and hit maturity, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 20 or 30 years. |
|
|
2019 |
Wappo Hill Vyd. Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (12/2021): A new wine from this team, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wappo Hill comes from a famous site in the Stags Leap District and is all Cabernet Sauvignon. At a high level, Stags Leap is a slightly cooler region, and the wines shine for their complexity, and that's certainly the case here. Lots of cassis, violets, graphite, dried flowers, and spicy oak define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, some chalky tannins, and notable freshness and purity. The acidity is higher here, but this still brings plenty of classic Schrader opulence and texture. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Adamvs |
2018 |
Teres Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (2/2023): The first vintage with only estate fruit, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon TERES comes from mostly younger vines and it’s a solid effort, with some smoky darker fruits, graphite, and mineral notions in a medium to full-bodied style. I would drink bottles over the coming decade. (Drink between 2023-2033). |
|
| Arietta |
2018 |
Variation One Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Variation One is positively stellar. Deep, inky and explosive, with striking depth, the 2018 is a meaty, powerful wine loaded with character. Black cherry fruit, chocolate, game, licorice and dried wild herbs infuse the 2018 with tremendous density. Co-fermented Syrah and Merlot are magical here. The 2018 opens beautifully with a bit of time in the glass, but its best days clearly lie ahead. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Arnot-Roberts |
2018 |
Peter Martin Ray Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is an incredibly intriguing wine. Irregular ripening might actually be a plus in giving the Pinot myriad shades of complexity. Floral, savory and bright, the Peter Martin Ray Pinot is so expressive and full of character. On the palate, the 2018 is perhaps a bit rustic, and yet it has so much to say. (Drink between 2020-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Arterberry Maresh |
2018 |
Old Vines Pinot Noir |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (12/2020): Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Old Vines has an alluring perfume of blueberries, violets and dark cherries with accents of earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate offers intense, broody fruits framed by muscular tannins and bright freshness, and it finishes long and full of flavor. It's still youthfully coiled and may improve with another year or two in bottle.
VM 94 (2/2022): Brilliant garnet. Powerful, spice- and mineral-accented red and blue fruits, potpourri and incense on the nose, which shows superb clarity and a touch of savory herbs. Vibrant and sharply focused on the palate, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, boysenberry, bitter cherry, spicecake and candied rose flavors braced by a spine of zesty acidity. Shows superb definition and floral lift on the persistent finish, which is given shape by silky, slow-building tannins. (Drink between 2022-2031). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| David Arthur |
2018 |
Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vine is a huge, dramatic wine. Dark and virile in the glass, the 2018 is endowed with terrific presence. My impression is that the Old Vine, like all of these 2018s, has really gained depth in bottle, which bodes quite well for the future. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol and licorice are all finely knit. I would give the 2018 at least a few years in the cellar, as the tannins are pretty incisive at this stage. This is a superb showing. (Drink between 2024-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| B Cellars |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Bridgeline Vyd. Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Ehrlich Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (1/2021): Moving to the single vineyard releases, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ehrlich Vineyard comes from a site in Oakville and is 100% varietal that was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Its inky purple color is followed by a gorgeous yet unevolved bouquet of red and blue fruits, graphite, toasted spices, leather, and crushed rock-like minerality. It’s more giving on the palate, offering a full-bodied, expansive texture that carries plenty of ripe, velvety tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. Give this exuberant, plush, impressive Cabernet Sauvignon 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades. (Drink between 2024-2045). |
|
| Bella Oaks |
2018 |
Proprietary Red (1.5 L) |
$559 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (1/2021): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!
JD 98 (12/2023): I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkably complex, elegant wine that has so much to love. Cassis, black cherries, hints of black olive, chocolate, and ripe tobacco all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a concentrated, multi-dimensional character offering beautiful tannins and a great finish. Coming from a tiny site in Rutherford (east of Staglin) that was made famous by Joe Heitz’s single vineyard releases, this world-class beauty is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was aged in 70% new oak. It’s approachable today yet I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years if well stored. Nigel Kinsmen has been the winemaker here starting in 2017. (Drink between 2023-2053).
VM 98 (1/2021): A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Beringer |
2018 |
Knight’s Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Reserve is a beauty and is all Cabernet brought up in 51% new French oak, which is on the lower end for this estate. Its deep purple color is followed by a classic, nicely structured Knights Valley Cabernet with lots of savory red and black fruits, loamy earth, tobacco leaf, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. With beautiful richness and mid-palate depth, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length, it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years. (Drink between 2021-2036).
VM 92 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Reserve is super expressive right out of the gate, which is unusual for a young Knights Valley wine. Crème de cassis, gravel, sage, menthol and licorice give the 2018 much of its dark, somber personality. The winemaking team has really pulled back on the extraction than in the past. The purity of the fruit is striking. (Drink between 2021-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$360 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): I always seem to compare great wines from this site with Haut-Brion, and I think the comparison holds here, although it’s a Haut-Brion on steroids! The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard reveals a dense purple color as well as a powerful nose of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, earth, coffee beans, and gravelly earth. All of these carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied and has a deep, layered mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. Hats off to the talented Russell Bevans for another brilliant, singular wine that’s going to keep for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046.)
WA 100 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of redcurrant jelly, Black Forest cake, blackcurrant pastilles and rose oil with suggestions of cast-iron pan, pencil lead and tilled soil plus a waft of fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it delivers an incredible mineral and perfumed red fruit firework display finish. Fans of Dr. Crane are going to LOVE this expression, masterfully crafted by Russell Bevan—an absolute must-try! |
|
|
2018 |
Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$360 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): I always seem to compare great wines from this site with Haut-Brion, and I think the comparison holds here, although it’s a Haut-Brion on steroids! The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard reveals a dense purple color as well as a powerful nose of ripe black fruits, tobacco leaf, earth, coffee beans, and gravelly earth. All of these carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied and has a deep, layered mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. Hats off to the talented Russell Bevans for another brilliant, singular wine that’s going to keep for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046.)
WA 100 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of redcurrant jelly, Black Forest cake, blackcurrant pastilles and rose oil with suggestions of cast-iron pan, pencil lead and tilled soil plus a waft of fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it delivers an incredible mineral and perfumed red fruit firework display finish. Fans of Dr. Crane are going to LOVE this expression, masterfully crafted by Russell Bevan—an absolute must-try! |
|
|
2018 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2021): Pure perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro is a vineyard selection from a great site just beside the winery, on the east side of Oakville. Offering a decadent, full-bodied, concentrated style as well as lots of red and blue fruits, spring flowers, spice, and an almost bloody, iron-like character, it’s a heavenly Cabernet that delivers both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure in spades. It already offers pleasure yet should keep for 20+ years. (Drink between 2021-2043.)
WA 99 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro was aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it's a little closed at this youthful stage, revealing glimpses at warm cassis, boysenberries and plum preserves scents with hints of charcoal, espresso, tapenade and violets. Full-bodied and rich, with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, it finishes very long and minerally. Only 109 cases were produced. Those lucky enough to secure a few bottles will want to put them away for at least 4-5 years and drink them over the next 25+ years.
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro emerges from Block 1B, which is home to some of the best dirt on the site. A stunning range of mineral and savory inflections races out of the glass, adding layers of complexity to the intense dark fruit. This is far from an easygoing 2018. Readers should plan on cellaring it for at least a few years. (Drink between 2023-2033.) |
|
| Brilliant Mistake |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2021): This estate continues to produce brilliant wines. Their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 100% Cabernet aged 21 months in 65% new oak, reveals a dense purple color as well as pretty, nuanced notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil, spice box, and flowers. I love its purity of fruit, it’s full-bodied, has wonderful tannins, and is just a beautiful wine that’s going to evolve for two decades. (Drink between 2021-2041)
WA 96 (11/2020): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color, rolling reluctantly out of the glass with tar and earthy notes to begin, giving way to compelling notions of baked plums, warm cassis and wild blueberries plus wafts of dried sage and tilled earth. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid structure of grainy tannins supporting the muscular, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and lively. 300 cases were made. |
|
| Cakebread Cellars |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (11/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 88.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.2% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1.1% Syrah, .5% Malbec, .5% Cabernet Franc and .5% Petite Sirah. Deep garnet-purple in color, it offers up vivacious scents of warm cassis, juicy blueberries and Black Forest cake with hints of dried herbs and tilled earth. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves flavors with a soft, approachable texture and plenty of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
| Ceritas |
2018 |
Elliott Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it. (Drink between 2022-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Chappellet |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Franc |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2021): A smoking value, the 2018 Cabernet Franc has textbook Cabernet Franc darker, almost blue fruits as well as gorgeous floral, leather, spice, and incense aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it has a similar supple elegance that conceals solid underlying tannins and concentration. It can be drunk today with plenty of pleasure, yet a good 3-4 years of bottle age will do it well, and it should evolve gracefully over the following 10-15 years. (Drink between 2024-2040)
WA 95+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Franc is a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, bright, cheery red and black fruit notes of red currant jelly, blackberry pie, Morello cherries and boysenberries spring from the glass, followed by nuances of pencil shavings, red roses, raspberry leaves and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate displays compelling purity, featuring bags of crunchy black berry flavors and ripe, finely grained tannins to support, finishing with a lively skip in its step.
VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Franc is a potent, heady wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, crème de cassis, spice and chocolate are all laced together in the glass. I would give the 2018 a few years in bottle to shed some of its baby fat. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Pritchard Hill Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$423.15 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2021): Always one of top wines in a vintage, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another gorgeous wine with a more plush, supple texture that hides solid underlying structure and tannins. Beautiful notes of blueberries, new leather, camphor, violets, and smoked tobacco all flow to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured beauty that's very much in the style of the vintage. Possessing remarkable purity, flawless balance, and building tannins, give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 25+ years.
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is bright, punchy and structured. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and crushed rocks all come alive in the glass. This searingly tannic, mountain Cabernet needs a good deal of time to open, but when it does, it dazzles. Bright floral notes, blood orange and slightly redder tonalities of fruit develop over time. The Pritchard Hill is a wine for readers who can be patient. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of warm cassis, wild blueberries and black raspberries, plus hints of chocolate box, menthol, tapenade, smoked meats and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with vibrant black fruits, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
|
| Cirq |
2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (7/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir sports a medium ruby, plum, almost opaque hue as well as a killer bouquet of ripe black raspberries, redcurrants, roasted herbs, loamy earth, and sandalwood. Rich, almost full-bodied, and beautifully textured, with silky, polished tannins, this is another rock star of a Pinot Noir from Michael Browne that will deliver the goods over the coming 7-8 years, probably longer, although I have no idea why you would delay gratification! |
|
| Colgin |
2018 |
Cariad Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$1,050 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 100 (1/2022): What a thrill it is to taste the 2018 Cariad again. Last year the 2018 was magnificent. It is all that this year too. Powerful and explosive, the 2018 is captivating from the very first taste. Healthy dollops of Cabernet Franc and Merlot add layers to this deep, wonderfully vibrant Napa Valley red. In a big morning tasting at Colgin spanning more than a dozen wines, the 2018 Cariad was a stand out. Superb. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
JD 98 (1/2021): The 2018 Cariad isn’t far off and has a wealth of blue fruits, musky earth, spice, and floral notes as well as a deep, rich, layered style on the palate. As with all the 2018s here, the tannin quality is incredible, and it has a plush, sexy, already complex style that’s hard to resist. It’s going to evolve for 25+ years. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. (Drink between 2021-2048)
WA 98 (3/2024): One thing the 2018s from Colgin have in common is a sense of greater tautness and freshness than the 2016s. The 2018 Cariad—a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot—adds dried sage and redcurrants to a base of black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is energetic, framed by fine-grained tannins and hints of pencil shavings on the long, elegant finish. |
|
| Continuum |
2018 |
Proprietary Blend |
$248 |
27 |
|
| |
VM 98 (1/2022): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is another magnificent wine from the Mondavi family. Soaring and regal in its intensity, the 2018 possesses breathtaking aromatic presence and tons of the pedigree that have made wines off this site so compelling pretty much since the beginning. Vibrant dark fruit, lavender, sage, mint and mocha build into an impossibly long, silky finish. The 2018 is a flat-out stunner. Antonio Galloni.
JD 97+ (12/2021): Coming all from the Sage Mountain Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, the 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. This is classic 2018 with its dense, concentrated, slightly backward, yet full-bodied and incredibly impressive style. Offering lots of ripe black (black cherry, currant) fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and chocolate-like aromatics, it has terrific concentration, ripe, building tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. It's going to need 5-7 years of bottle age but will have upwards of three decades of overall longevity. |
|
| Daou Vineyards |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (9/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is made entirely from free-run juice and was aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. Deep ruby in color, it offers up pure violet and Morello cherries, pipe tobacco and graphite, blueberry and blackcurrant liqueur with a classy frame of warm spices. The palate explodes with ultra-perfumed, ultra-layered black and blue fruits with ubiquitous, pixelated tannins that serve to support the plush fruit, replete with juicy freshness that continues to call you back for another sip on the very long, perfumed finish. It's a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon that will age well in the cellar but is approachable straight from the bottle.
JD 93 (9/2021): Rocking levels of blackberry and cassis fruits as well as textbook tobacco, earth, lead pencil, and camphor all emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a medium to full-bodied, seamless, elegant Cabernet with silky tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. It's going to have 10-15 years of prime drinking. (Drink between 2021-2036). |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2018 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (5/2021): All Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (78% new French oak), the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags showed brilliantly, offering a Pauillac-like nose of smoky red and blue fruits, lead pencil, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and concentrated, it has lots of velvety tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. It ranks with the top Cabernets from the appellation and is a stunning wine. Drink bottles over the coming 20-25 years.
WA 94+ (10/2021): Displaying a magenta core, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags blossoms in the glass with elements of cinnamon-spiced cherries, crème de cassis and plum reduction with a floral and dusty essence. Medium to full-bodied, this 100% Cabernet is ripe with a firm tannic edge while offering flavors of blackberry jus and a steady mineral-laced sensation across the mid-palate. The wine glides to an elongated finish with lasting flavors of graphite, black plum and dusty flowers.
VM 94 (3/2022): Already quite nicely evolved, the 2018 Four Flags evokes black tea, exotic spice and chocolate aromas alongside a great wall of dark fruits. Full-bodied and intense, with sagebrush and scorched earth undertones, this is drinking beautifully right now and will continue to cellar well for another 15 years - or more! (Drink between 2021-2035). Owen Bargreen. |
|
| Detert |
2018 |
Cabernet Franc (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): Detert's 2018 Cabernet Franc is fabulous. It may very well be the single most expressive and distinctive Cabernet Franc in the valley. Deep and inky in the glass, the Detert Franc is marked by soaring aromatics and beams of saline minerality that distinguish it from the Cabernet Sauvignon in this range. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, menthol, licorice and cloves build into the huge, resonant finish. (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Emeritus Vineyards |
2018 |
Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Pinot Hill Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Fe Wines |
2018 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$265 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (1/2021): The flagship is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Fe, and it's 100% Spring Mountain Cabernet. As with the Red Wine Blend, it has a notable freshness in its aromatics and offers impressive blue fruits, cedar, forest floor, bouquet garni, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. These carry to a concentrated, full-bodied mountain Cabernet that has terrific mid-palate depth, building tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's structured and tannic, and needs 4-5 years of bottle age, but this beauty is going to age like a great Bordeaux and keep for 30 years or more. (Drink between 2025-2058).
VM 96+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from a six-acre vineyard on Spring Mountain just outside of St. Helena planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Rich, powerful and structured, with tremendous nuance, the 2018 hits all the right notes. A whole range of feral, savory and floral notes add striking aromatic nuance, with beams of mountain tannin that give the wine energy. Fe is one of the most exciting debuts of the last few years. What a knock-out! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Galerie |
2018 |
Pleinair Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (1/2021): Made by Gianna Kelly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair comes from a handful of vineyards and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 65% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a rich, concentrated, nicely balanced 2018 with loads of ripe dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco aromatics, medium to full body, a solid spine of acidity, and just wonderful overall balance and purity, which is the hallmark of this great vintage. Building nicely with time in the glass, it shines for its balance, elegance, and purity more so than sheer power, and it’s already a joy to drink. Nevertheless, it should easily evolve for 15-20 years. This smoking value is well worth seeking out. (Drink between 2021-2041) |
|
| Maggy Hawk |
2018 |
Unforgettable Pinot Noir |
$59.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Unforgettable is built on texture and creaminess. It offers a bit more mid-palate structure than some of the other wines in the range. The mix of mostly Pommard and Wadensvil clones works so well here. Silky and open-knit, the 2018 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hundred Acre |
2018 |
Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (2/2023): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith is one of those wines that would be a perfect example of the expression “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has that classic 2018 frame that carries pure darker currant and cassis fruits as well as complex notes of leather, licorice, and spring flowers. This layered, multi-dimensional, perfectly balanced 2018 will reward 3-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2026-2052)
WA 97+ (5/2023): A blend of fruit from the three single vineyards, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith offers up more cherries and cranberries beautifully complemented by deep loam and mocha undertones. It's full-bodied, lush and velvety in texture, with a long, vibrant finish. It's even a bit tart. |
|
| Institution |
2018 |
Erba Vyd. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (1/2021): Coming from a steep, higher elevation vineyard and made by Russell Bevan, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Erba Vineyard offers a smoky bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, smoke tobacco, chocolate, charred barrel, and rocky, earthy minerality. This rich, full-bodied, powerful 2018 has some chewy tannins and a dense, backward, mineral-laced style that's going to benefit from bottle age. Do your best to hide bottles for 3-5 years, and it should evolve for two decades. (Drink between 2024-2046). |
|
| Italics Winegrowers |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Placemark Red Wine |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Kenzo Estate |
2018 |
Suzu Sparkling Rose |
$160 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2018 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (5/2020): Starting off the Pinot Noirs, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley was mostly destemmed and brought up in 31% new French oak. Its ruby/purple hue is followed by a wonderful bouquet of black cherries, darker raspberry, spice, and hints of earth and forest floor. It's a darker, spicy Russian River Valley effort that's medium to full-bodied and has terrific balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shows the purity and class that now defines this estate. It's well worth seeking out and is going to keep for at least a decade. |
|
|
2018 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2020): Brought up in 20% new French oak, the 2018 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands offers a terrific, complex bouquet of spiced cherries, raspberries, spring flowers, and dried herbs. Beautifully balanced, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it shines for its complexity, texture, and length and is a stunning Santa Lucia Highlands release! |
|
|
2018 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$69 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills was 90% destemmed and brought up in mostly neutral oak (French and Austrian). Its ruby/purple hue is followed by a beautiful bouquet of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruits interwoven with plenty of spice, flowery incense, and violet nuances. Ethereal, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, it has a terrific sense of balance, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's not a blockbuster Pinot by any measure yet has complexity, balance, and length. I'm a big fan. |
|
|
2018 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (5/2020): Brought up mostly in French oak, with a small amount in concrete, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has that classic Sonoma Coast pretty red fruit-driven style as well as subtle white flower, spice, and even a kiss of minerality. It's beautifully balanced and medium-bodied, with an elegant, ethereal style that still has solid structure. It will drink well for a decade. |
|
|
2018 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| Decanter 95 (8/2021): A show-stopping Pinot Noir from Nico Cueva, fermented in concrete, oak and stainless steel, including 6% whole-cluster fruit, then aged in separate lots for 16 months in 40% new French oak, before blending and an additional four months in neutral oak and steel. High-toned, heady aromas of dark cherry and sarsaparilla, pine bark and tangy grapefruit zest, towing the line between haughty decadence and controlled restraint. Savoury and sweet flavours emerge in waves, backed by fine-grained cedar tannins and gentle acidity, then lingering notes of crème brûlée, pine, cocoa and rose petals. (Drink between 2021-2036) |
|
| Charles Krug |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2018 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (11/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (Black Label) is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in French oak, 56% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with scents of black currant cordial, kirsch, red currant jelly and wild blueberries plus suggestions of dark chocolate, bay leaves and pencil lead with a touch of cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has loads of delicately framed nuances among the red and black fruits with a soft texture and energetic finish.
VM 95 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo has really come together nicely over the last year. A dark, brooding wine, the Dr. Olmo is imbued with so much character. Black cherry, plum, scorched earth, leather and game reveal a wine of considerable nuance and complexity. There is so much going on here. The 2018 finishes with notable substance and feeling of sheer pedigree that is impossible to miss. (Drink between 2026-2040). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2021): The 2018 Firebelle (Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon) is gracious and beautifully lifted in the glass. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, cedar and tobacco are all laced together in this attractive, mid-weight red. This is an unusually elegant, restrained style for Calistoga, where the wines are often bigger. Savory Cabernet aromatics and the bright acids of 2018 linger. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Solari Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is all Cabernet and was brought up in mostly new French oak. A gorgeous wine from this estate, it has incredible notes of blackcurrants, camphor, new leather, and dried tobacco. It takes some air yet gets even more complex, with ample licorice and loamy soil notes developing as it sits in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, lots of underlying structure, and a great, great finish. It's going to need 5-7 years for these tannins to melt away, but this is a beauty.
WA 94+ (11/2020): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari (Black Label) was aged in French oak, 92% new. It sports a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant notions of boysenberries, black and red cherry preserves and black currant pastilles with hints of garrigue, sautéed herbs and tobacco leaf plus a waft of charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing, features a racy backbone and has finely grained tannins that support the intense red and black fruits, finishing with refreshing herbal lift.
VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is laced with the essence of wild cherry, tobacco, licorice and a whole range of earthy, savory notes. Dark and inward, but medium in body, the 2018 is a bit tightly wound today. I would give it a few years to soften. Like all the 2018s at Larkmead, the Solari is a wine of transparency and nuance. Its resonance is more implied than overtly stated. (Drink between 2026-2040). |
|
| Paul Lato |
2018 |
Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vyd. Grenache |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (8/2020): All destemmed Grenache aged 22 months in 30% new barrels, the 2018 Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard offers up a juicy bouquet of Bing cherries, black raspberries, sappy herbs, licorice, and ground pepper. Nicely textured, medium to full-bodied, and silky on the palate, with great tannins, drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.
VM 93 (8/2020): The 2018 Grenache Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard is gorgeous. Bright red cherry fruit, mint and blood orange all grace this super-expressive, mid-weight wine. Bien Nacido is a famous site, and that pedigree definitely comes through in the wine's energy and character. (Drink between 2020-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2018 |
Rising Tides Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (12/2020): Opaque ruby. Ripe red/blue fruits, potpourri, incense and exotic spices on the deeply perfumed, expressive nose. Stains the palate with sweet boysenberry, Chambord and floral pastille flavors, which are sharpened by energetic mineral and white pepper flourishes. Shows serious depth and power but comes off lively and delivers strong floral thrust on the extremely long, spicy, gently tannic finish. (Drink between 2023-2033). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2018 |
Chester Kidder Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$110 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (7/2022): The 2018 Chester-Kidder Red Wine is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 30 months in 85% new French oak. It's another brilliant wine from this team and has vibrant plum and darker, almost blue fruits as well as spicy oak, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth aromas and flavors. Balanced and medium to full-bodied, with a terrific sense of freshness as well as building tannins, it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and have two decades of longevity. |
|
|
2018 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (5/2021): The classic 2018 Feather (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from the Weinbau and Wallula Vineyards and spent 22 months in 90% new French oak. It has a wonderfully pure nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, dried flowers, and tobacco that carries to a medium to full-bodied, seamless Cabernet with a wonderful sense of purity, balance, and elegance, all while bringing plenty of fruit and structure. I actually like it today, yet it has enough tannins to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and should be long lived. (Drink between 2023-2038) |
|
| MacDonald |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (3X750ML) |
$2,400 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (1/2021): Flirting with perfection, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from this tiny family estate shows the pure, elegant, yet concentrated style of this vintage to a T. Darker currants, cassis, olives, violets, and spring flower notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, ultra-classic, flawlessly balanced Cabernet. The tannins are present yet polished, it has wonderfully integrated acidity, and is one of those wines that keeps you coming back to the glass. Count yourself lucky if you’re able to snag any bottles. It will ideally be given 4-6 years of bottle age and it’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.
VM 97+ (1/2021): The 2018 MacDonald Cabernet Sauvignon is positively stellar. Crème de cassis, blueberry, lavender, graphite, spice, sage and licorice all open effortlessly in the glass. At this stage, the 2018 reminds me of the 2012 in its mid-weight structure, but with darker fruit and a more somber personality. Like the 2012 has, I expect the 2018 will flesh out in the middle over the next handful of years. It is a super-impressive wine with a bright, bright future that only slightly misses the thrilling heights of some previous editions. Then again, brothers Graeme and Alex MacDonald have set a very high bar since they started bottling their wine a little more than a decade ago. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Mayacamas Vineyards |
2018 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maybach |
2018 |
Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$174 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (1/2021): Looking at the two 2018s, the 2018 Amoenus comes from the Blossom Creek Vineyard outside of Calistoga and was brought up in new French oak. Both 2018s are concentrated, powerful wines. The Amoenus possesses a beautiful sense of freshness and purity, yet backs that up with a huge, opulent profile that carries incredible black and blue fruits. Showing more chocolate, tobacco, graphite, and foresty, earthy notes with air, this full-bodied beauty has ample ripe, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It certainly shows the more brooding, backward, powerful style of the vintage and is built for the long haul. Hide bottle for 5-7 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 40 years or so. |
|
| Memento Mori |
2018 |
Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (1/2021): Lastly, I was blown away by the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard, which comes from a great vineyard in Oakville. Beautiful blue fruits, liquid violets, graphite, and white flower notes all emerge from the glass, and it builds beautifully on the palate, with a full-bodied, layered, seamless texture. It’s one of those wines that just screams Cabernet and offers a terrific sense of density and richness yet still just glides across the palate, with no heaviness or rusticity. This is a gorgeous Cabernet in every way. Give bottles 3-5 years if you can and enjoy over the following two decades or more. Hats off to Sam Kaplan for a tour de force lineup of Napa Valley Cabernet! (Drink between 2024-2047) |
|
| Meyer Family Cellars |
2018 |
Peterson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Myriad |
2018 |
100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2020): Even better than the Esther Block, the 2018 Syrah Las Madres Vineyard 100% Whole Cluster offers beautiful notes of jammy blackberries, mulberries, smoked game, ground pepper, and violets. These all flow to a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has a wealth of beautiful California fruit, present yet ripe, sweet tannins, and a fabulous mouthfeel and finish. It’s slightly more rounded and opulent on the palate compared to the Esther Block yet still doesn’t lack for structure. Give it a year or three and enjoy over the following decade. It’s another wine from Mike Smith that has classic Syrah characteristics yet stays firmly planted in California. It’s a beautiful wine. (Drink between 2022-2032).
WA 93 (11/2020): Made from 100% Syrah and 100% whole cluster, the 2018 Syrah Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It drifts effortlessly out of the glass with the most beautiful perfume of red roses, fragrant earth, bouquet garni, Ceylon tea, Sichuan pepper and star anise with a core of black cherry compote, blueberry pie and dark chocolate. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with fragrant black fruit layers, framed by ripe, rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and lifted. A real head-turner! |
|
|
2018 |
100% Whole Cluster Sangiacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (2/2020): From the same vineyard in the Petaluma Gap yet not destemmed, the 2018 Syrah Sangiacomo Vineyard 100% Whole Cluster is an incredible wine that shows how compelling cool-climate Syrah from California can be. Revealing a medium ruby, slightly translucent color to go with Côte Rôtie-like raspberry and framboise fruits are interwoven with lots of spring flowers, sagebrush, white pepper, and hints of game, it’s fabulously balanced, medium-bodied, and ethereally textured on the palate. This beautiful wine never puts a foot wrong and while stunning today, will evolve for over a decade. There are less than 100 cases made, so there’s not much to go around, but it’s well worth the extra effort to track down. (Drink between 2020-2030). |
|
|
2018 |
Esther Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2020): The Syrah Las Madres Vineyard Esther Block always shows well, and the 2018 is no exception. Revealing a medium ruby/purple hue as well as a Côte Rôtie like notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, peppered game, and sappy underbrush, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a tight, sappy texture, ripe tannins, good acidity, and an excellent finish. It’s a rockingly good wine that needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will impressive for over a decade. (Drink between 2022-2032). |
|
|
2018 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (2/2020): From a site in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast, the 2018 Syrah Sangiacomo is all Syrah brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. It’s another beautiful Syrah from this estate that has a wild, gamey style yet still shows rocking levels of California fruit and texture. Black raspberries, smoked herbs, bouquet garni, new leather, and ample white pepper notes all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has ripe tannins, and an exceptional finish. It’s ready to go with just a short decant and is going offer load of pleasure over the coming 7-8 years, probably longer. (Drink between 2020-2028). |
|
| de Negoce |
2018 |
OG N. 109 Fair Play Syrah |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
OG N. 111 Fair Play Tempranillo |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
OG N. 118 Chalk Hill Malbec |
$15 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
OG N. 143 Horse Heaven Hills Petit Verdot |
$15 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
OG N. 162 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$15 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
OG N. 319 Santa Barbara County Barbera |
$15 |
9 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
OG N. 90 Merlot |
$15 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2021): I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn release. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.
VM 98 (10/2021): The 2018 Touriga Nacional – Número Quatro is sourced from Elain and Manfred Krankl's estate vineyard in Oak View. It is a wine of tremendous character and personality. Sadly, production remains tiny, at just over 130 cases. Copious black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice build in an deep, powerful wine that is loaded with personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Numero Quatro Touriga Nacional (1.5 L) |
$575 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2021): I was able to taste two new releases from the Krankls’ Next of Kyn release. Starting with the 2018 Touriga Nacional Numero Quatro, which also includes 9.1% Syrah, 7.2% Grenache, 6.2% Petite Sirah, and 1.5% Roussanne, it’s a full-bodied, deep, rich monster of a wine that still stays balance and elegant, with a terrific perfume of blue fruits, violets, gravelly earth, and peppery spice. It has building tannins, but the balance is as good as it gets, and it has a finish that won’t quit. Fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged 32 months in 60% new French oak, it’s going to keep for a solid 15 years or more.
VM 98 (10/2021): The 2018 Touriga Nacional – Número Quatro is sourced from Elain and Manfred Krankl's estate vineyard in Oak View. It is a wine of tremendous character and personality. Sadly, production remains tiny, at just over 130 cases. Copious black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice build in an deep, powerful wine that is loaded with personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Nickel and Nickel |
2018 |
Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
17 |
|
| |
|
| Occidental |
2018 |
Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (7/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental comes mostly from younger vines at the Occidental property but is made with the same attention to detail as the other wines in the portfolio, using free-run juice. Its nose is an aromatic well, offering crushed blueberries, charcuterie, Earl Grey tea leaves, graphite, saline, bitter orange peel and potpourri aromas. In the mouth, it explodes with lush fruits that give way after their initial rush to bitter, citrusy, minerally accents. It has a fine grain, seamless freshness and long, layered finish. It's enjoyable now but will age well over the next five to eight-plus years.
VM 94 (1/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone Occidental is a truly remarkable wine. Maybe that is the vintage, or the added complexity the vines are acquiring with time, but the 2018 Freestone Occidental makes me incredibly curious to taste the rest of the 2018s. Bright, focused and beautifully sculpted, the 2018 is a wine of total elegance and finesse. Moreover, it captures the savory, energetic, saline style that is so typical of this part of the Sonoma Coast. (Drink between 2023-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Occidental Station Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$159 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (7/2021): Medium ruby in color, the 2018 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Vineyard has intense, liquid-like raspberry and boysenberry aromas, layered with notes of dusty earth, Earl Grey tea leaves, salted licorice and graphite, continuing to blossom with time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate merges intense, detailed fruit character with seamless freshness and a finely pixelated texture. It finishes with tremendous detail and perfumed flavors that seem to hang on forever in the mouth. Wow!
VM 98 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Occidental Station is a dense, packed Pinot. Its huge core of fruit gives the Occidental Station tons of inner strength. Readers will have to be patient. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of inky red fruit, blood orange, exotic spice aromas and flavors, with swaths of tannin that wrap it all together. As always, the Occidental Station is quite a different beast from the other wines in the range, as it emerges from a site about fifteen miles from the winery that is quite a bit warmer and therefore lends a decidedly more exotic, ripe personality to the flavors. Even so, there is plenty of supporting structure and minerality to balance things out. (Drink between 2024-2038). Antonio Galloni.
JD 97 (7/2021): Slightly deeper hued, the 2018 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Vineyard has a rich, spicy nose of cassis and ripe black cherries supported by beautiful bouquet garni and floral nuances. It has background oak, medium to full body, ripe yet building tannins, and just a beautiful purity as well as freshness that keeps you coming back to the glass. It has enough tannins and acidity to benefit from short-term bottle age, but it has a rounded, elegant texture as well and is far from unapproachable today. It should have 15 years of longevity. (Drink between 2021-2036). |
|
| Outpost |
2018 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (1/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color, prancing out of the glass with flamboyant notes of stewed plums, crème de cassis and baked blackberries, plus touches of bay leaves, lavender, unsmoked cigars, pencil lead and tilled earth. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid foundation of firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long and lifted.
JD 95 (1/2021): A big step up, the single vineyard 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard has beautiful cassis and blue fruits as well as plenty of foresty notes, pine, bay leaf, chocolate, and earthy minerality. This classic Howell Mountain Cabernet is medium to full-bodied and has a focused, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's going to evolve for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046).
VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is loaded with crème de cassis, chocolate, spice, licorice and sweet French oak. Floral overtones emerge over time, adding lift and a hugely appealing upper register to this luscious, opulent Cabernet. Polished, racy and silky to the core, the True Cabernet is a winner from Outpost. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Patz & Hall |
2018 |
Alder Springs Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| La Pelle |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2021): The flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from a blend of the Ceniza, Red Hen, and Alluvium vineyards and is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It saw slightly more new oak, spending 21 months in 80% new barrels. A classic Napa Valley nose of crème de cassis, toasted spice, graphite, unsmoked tobacco, and chocolate gives way to a full-bodied 2018 offering gorgeous purity of fruit, ripe, velvety tannins, a great mid-palate, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This is another magical wine from this estate that has plenty of upfront appeal yet is going to evolve gracefully for two decades or more. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2018 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 95 (1/2022): Pride's flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is going to need a number of years to come around. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice, lavender and mocha all open with a bit of time. This deceptively mid-weight Cabernet packs plenty of mountain punch. The Reserve is not an obvious wine, especially in comparison with what these wines were like a few years ago. (Drink between 2025-2038). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94+ (5/2022): Lastly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve can be thought of as the top cuvée, and in 2018 it's 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Its deep purple hue is followed by a powerful, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that builds beautifully in the glass, with ripe yet present tannins and integrated acidity all giving it an age-worthy feel. Classic crème de cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and tobacco all define the aromatics. The balance is spot on, but like many 2018s, the cellar is going to be your friend. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years, and it's going to drink brilliantly for two decades. (Drink between 2026-2047). |
|
| Provenance Vineyards |
2018 |
Fortitude Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$142 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (8/2020): From a great site outside of St. Helena, there are 175 cases of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, which has a killer bouquet of black raspberries and crème de cassis intermixed with beautiful spring flowers, unsmoked tobacco, and spice. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and with incredible elegance and purity, it offers building tannins, flawless balance, and stunning length. A gorgeous wine in every sense, it's going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and just sing for 20-25 years or more. (Drink between 2023-2048).
VM 91 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is a wild, potent wine. Inky dark fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, spice, espresso and game give the Piedras its decidedly exotic personality. The 2018 is at once intensely ripe and savory, with strong oak accents that add sweetness. Those elements don't feel fully meshed together at this stage. (Drink between 2022-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Reverie |
2018 |
Special Reserve Proprietary Blend Lightly Nicked Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2018 |
Monte Bello |
$229 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (5/2022): The 2018 Monte Bello is ridiculously young. There's plenty of energy and drive, but writing a note at this point is rather superfluous. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. Early tastings suggest the 2018 is a Monte Bello built on linear, savory intensity more than volume. I very much like the energy here. Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (12/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello comes from a cooler, even, drought year and is based on 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. I believe it was aged all in American oak as always (I wouldn't be surprised if there was a French barrel in there) and hit 13.7% natural alcohol. Beautiful, and classic Monte Bello, notes of plums, cassis, and blueberries all give way to more vanilla oak, tobacco, cedar pencil, and violet aromas and flavors. A more elegant, streamlined, medium to full-bodied Monte Bello, it has beautiful tannins, perfect ripeness (not overripe nor underripe), flawless balance, and a great finish. It doesn't have the sheer grandeur or dimension of the 2017, but it's a seamless, incredibly elegant, compelling Monte Bello that will benefit from 4-6 years (it's stunning today with a healthy decant) and will certainly have 30 years of prime drinking. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2018 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (2/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga is deep garnet-purple colored, charging out of the gate with savory notions of sautéed herbs, beef drippings and truffles with a core of crème de cassis , baked plums and mulberries. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it has a solid backbone of firm, velvety tannins and really compelling earthy undertones to all that decadent black fruit, finishing long and layered. |
|
|
2018 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (2/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from a single vineyard in Oakville. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a fair bit of swirling to reveal tantalizing scents of boysenberries, chocolate-covered cherries and crushed black and red currants with hints of menthol, tobacco leaf, violets, cinnamon stick and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with perfumed black fruits, backed up by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. Just stunning. Give it a good 4-5 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20 years+.
JD 97+ (1/2021): From a great site in Oakville, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard boasts a rich, full-bodied style offering ripe, polished tannins, terrific balance, and textbook Cabernet notes of ripe black currants, cassis, smoked tobacco, loamy soil, and chocolate. I love its overall purity as well as its balance, and while it's already accessible today, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20 years in cold cellars. (Drink between 2023-2045).
VM 97+ (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is magnificent. Strong savory and mineral notes add aromatic complexity to play off the dense, plush fruit that is typical of these wines. Intriguing and complex, the Lore captures all of the magic of this site in Eastern Oakville. The tannins need a bit of time to soften. Even in the early going, the Lore is superb. It is, as always, the most structured Cabernet in the range. (Drink between 2025-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Saddleback Cellars |
2018 |
Old Vines Zinfandel |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2018 |
Scherrer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (8/2023): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Scherrer Vineyard opens with intense, penetrating aromatics. Intensely earthy and savory, the Scherrer Vineyard Cabernet packs plenty of punch in its dark fruit, leather, game, tobacco, incense and herb flavors. I would prefer to drink this over the next handful of years, although it has the stuffing to go longer in a cold cellar. (Drink between 2023-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Schrader |
2018 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 97+ (1/2021): This is the very first vintage of this new label for Schrader. True to Schrader form, the wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single block in the southern part of Mondavi’s section of To Kalon vineyard. The “Heritage Clone,” a.k.a. clone 39, is pretty much exclusive to Mondavi To Kalon, with the exception of some cuttings Robert Mondavi may have given out. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown noted that this clone produces very small bunches and tiny berries, equating to super intense fruit. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of stewed blueberries, plum preserves, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth, giving way to hints of beef drippings, iron ore, espresso, tobacco leaf and dried roses. Medium-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and loads of bright, lively freshness lifting the densely packed berry preserves layers, finishing very long and very spicy. This is certainly a singular style—somewhat atypical for the 2018 vintage, but nonetheless compelling. |
|
|
2018 |
MMXVIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,595 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (1/2021): There are few vintages of Old Sparky that don't merit a perfect rating, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky isn't one of them. This flawless wine offers up a wild smorgasbord of aromas and flavors, with loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, scorched earth, lead pencil, violets, blood orange, tobacco, and flowery incense all developing with time in the glass. Deep purple-hued and incredibly full-bodied, it has ripe, silky tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. This magical wine stays weightless and elegant on the palate, never seeming heavy, cumbersome, or over the top, and it's a wine that just begs to be drunk yet will evolve for decades. Hats off to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for yet another heavenly Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that could come from nowhere else in the world. Life is too short not to have experienced this cuvée! (Drink between 2021-2041) |
|
|
2018 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (1/2021): Schrader’s RBS comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from 337 clone grown on blocks B1, B2 and E2. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious exotic spice scents—cumin seed, cloves and star anise—over a core of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and black currant pastilles plus a waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with spicy, open-knit black fruit preserves flavors, marked by bright red-fruit accents. Supported by great tension and velvety tannins, it finishes on a lingering cinnamon toast note. 1,715 cases were made.
JD 99 (1/2021): Another heavenly wine in the lineup is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, which comes from Clone 337 and a handful of different blocks in the vineyard. This deep purple-hued beauty has an incredibly seamless, elegant, yet full-bodied style as well as killer notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, wildflowers, violets, white chocolate, and new saddle leather. Flirting with perfection, the tannin quality, purity of fruit, balance, and overall harmony here is just about off the charts. It makes you want to drink the whole bottle, but it should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
JS 97 (1/2021): Aromas of red fruit, plums, herbs and dark chocolate with some bark and forest-floor notes. Full-bodied, yet very finely crafted and poised. Lots of fresh and dry herbs to the dark fruit at the finish. Lasts a long time. Try after 2024. |
|
|
2018 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2021): Rocking levels of blueberries, creme de cassis, exotic spices, tobacco, cigar wrapper, and candied violets emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6, which is full-bodied, has a ripe, concentrated mouthfeel, and lots of building tannins. There's no shortage of structure here, yet the tannins are sweet and polished, it has nicely integrated acidity and just beautiful overall balance, although it remains relatively tight and doesn't have the same opulent, expansive mouthfeel found in the CCS, RBS, and Schrader releases. Regardless, it's an incredibly impressive bottle of wine. Give bottles 4-5 years, and it's going to cruise for 20 years or more. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2018 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$95 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Southing is laced with bold dark-fleshed fruit, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha. A wine of volume and depth, the 2018 offers tons of allure, with plush contours and impeccable overall balance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Southing Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Southing is laced with bold dark-fleshed fruit, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha. A wine of volume and depth, the 2018 offers tons of allure, with plush contours and impeccable overall balance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$95 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Ten is a classic Sea Smoke wine. Dark, ample and enveloping, the 2018 possesses notable richness and volume right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and sweet spice all meld together, framed by supple, silky tannins that add considerable immediacy and overall appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Ten Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Ten is a classic Sea Smoke wine. Dark, ample and enveloping, the 2018 possesses notable richness and volume right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and sweet spice all meld together, framed by supple, silky tannins that add considerable immediacy and overall appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Seaver Vineyards |
2018 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon GTS is remarkably elegant, especially for the appellation. This well-exposed site at around 1,600 feet allows for full ripening of tannins. Medium in body and gracious, with superb balance, the GTS Cabernet is terrific in 2018. Crème de cassis, lavender, dried herbs, spice and new leather are all laced into the silky, polished finish, which is where the mountain origins are felt most. Hints of graphite, scorched earth and cassis linger nicely. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon GTS is remarkably elegant, especially for the appellation. This well-exposed site at around 1,600 feet allows for full ripening of tannins. Medium in body and gracious, with superb balance, the GTS Cabernet is terrific in 2018. Crème de cassis, lavender, dried herbs, spice and new leather are all laced into the silky, polished finish, which is where the mountain origins are felt most. Hints of graphite, scorched earth and cassis linger nicely. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
NLS Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Senses |
2018 |
Day One Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (7/2020): From the Hillcrest Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, the 2018 Pinot Noir Day One is another darker, earthy, spicy effort from this team. Aged 10 months in 25-40% new French oak, it offers lots of mulled red and black fruits, smoked herbs, Asian spices, and dried flowers. Rich and medium-bodied, with bright acidity and ripe tannins, it's another age-worthy 2018 Pinot Noir from this estate that shows the quality of this great vintage.
VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Day One marries richness, power and aromatic presence. Succulent black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice and dried herbs mesh together in the glass, supported by bright acids that add energy. Like all of these wines, the Day One is racy and fleshy in style. (Drink between 2023-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Silver Oak |
2018 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "H/W Harris Williams" engraved on bottle |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| Decanter 94 (6/2025): Rich and alluring, with ripe currant and red berry fruit, pressed flowers and loamy earth. Framed by taut, mineral-rich tannins with layers of currant fruit woven around black truffle. The lengthy finish sees those firm tannins beginning to resolve, turning increasingly earthy. A wild herb character and an overall freshness factor leave a lasting impression. 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. (Drink between 2025-2042). |
|
| Slacker (Linne Calodo) |
2018 |
Self Esteem Scuffed Label |
$35 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Somnium |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a powerful, brooding wine with huge mountain tannins and a virile, almost somber personality. Graphite, cured meats, licorice, cloves, scorched earth, black pepper and mocha give the 2018 its distinctly feral, mineral, savory quality. I would give the 2018 at least a few years in bottle, as it is pretty searing today. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a powerful, brooding wine with huge mountain tannins and a virile, almost somber personality. Graphite, cured meats, licorice, cloves, scorched earth, black pepper and mocha give the 2018 its distinctly feral, mineral, savory quality. I would give the 2018 at least a few years in bottle, as it is pretty searing today. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2018 |
Heart of Fay Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| T-Vine |
2018 |
Black Sears Vyd. Zinfandel |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tensley Wines |
2018 |
Colson Canyon Vyd. Syrah |
$46.75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| The Third Twin (Sine Qua Non) |
2018 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$195 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar. |
|
|
2018 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$215 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (10/2019): The 2016 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, is based on 53% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and the rest Petite Sirah, Graciano, and Viognier, aged 31 months in 42% new French oak. It boasts a huge, powerful bouquet of ripe currants, white chocolate, white pepper, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied wine that shows more Mourvèdre spice and meaty notes with time in the glass, has a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. This is a big, rich wine yet, like everything from the Krankls, it stays incredibly balanced and weightless. Mourvèdre can shut down quickly, so I’d lean toward trying bottles on release or giving then a good 4-5 years in the cellar. |
|
| Thomas |
2018 |
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Three Wine Company |
2018 |
Old Vines Field Blend |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Turnbull |
2018 |
Analogy Red Wine |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Upchurch Vineyard |
2018 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Verite |
2018 |
Le Desir (1.5 L) |
$614.25 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (7/2021): The Cabernet Franc blend of the trio, the 2018 Le Desir is 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, and as with all these wines, it was brought up in new barrels. Ruby/purple and not completely opaque, it offers up a classic Cabernet Franc nose of mostly red fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, cedary spices, and truffle. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shines for its incredible elegance and purity more than outright power, yet it still brings plenty of richness. With ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and one heck of a great finish, it's another great, great wine from this estate.
WA 97+ (7/2021): Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the 2018 Le Désir was aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, soon unfurling to offer glimpses at notes of kirsch, raspberry preserves and mulberry scents, plus hints of cedar chest, crushed rocks, bay leaves, Sichuan pepper and lavender with a waft of sandalwood. The medium to full-bodied palate has tons of freshness to support the melange of preserved red and black fruits, textured by grainy tannins, finishing with a lingering peppery kick. It may require just a little more time to come around than the La Joie and La Muse, and then I suspect this beauty is going to reward the patient. |
|
| Vice Versa |
2018 |
Houyi Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Vincent Wine Co. |
2018 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Gris |
$19.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2018 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$180 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a great example of this site. Rich and explosive in feel, the 2018 hits the palate with serious intensity. Blackberry, chocolate, spice, leather, licorice and dark spice give this powerhouse Cabernet much of its brooding intensity. A few more years in bottle is an absolute must. (Drink between 2026-2028). Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (5/2022): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is all varietal and saw over two years (26 months) in new French oak. A deep, powerful, concentrated Spring Mountain Cabernet, it reveals a dense purple hue to go with powerful black currant and black cherry fruits as well as notes of licorice, chocolate, espresso, and new leather. As with the Block Six, it has lots of oak, yet the tannins here are sweet, it has a beautifully layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. It’s not for those seeking instant gratification (or the oak adverse) and this beauty demands cellaring. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it should last for 2-3 decades. |
|
| William & Mary Wine Company |
2018 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$92.65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2018 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 89 (4/2021): A vague whiff of bitter chocolate lurks in the background of the ripe but distinctly cool aromas of red cherry, dark pinot fruit and spiced tea. The sleek, well-detailed and energetic middle weight flavors possess a mildly tangy, dusty and bitter cherry pit-inflected finale. This is a bit one-dimensional today and is a wine that also seem mildly awkward at present though I suspect that a few years of bottle age set things right. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 75 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Bucher Vineyard is a bold, pungent wine. I find the strong game, manure and feral aromas to be highly unpleasant. Searing tannins don't do anything to make the wine any more charming. (Drink starting 2021). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is bright, punchy and nicely lifted. Freshly cut flowers, mint, white pepper, hard candy and red berry fruit give the 2018 lovely energy to match its mid-weight, gracious personality. The Central Coast Pinot is an absolute joy in 2018. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Eastside Road Neighbors is a gorgeous, super-expressive wine. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint and crushed flowers lift a core of bright red berry fruit. Vibrant and beautifully delineated, the Eastside Road Neighbors packs a lot of punch in its mid-weight frame. I would give this a good bit of air. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 95 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Fearrington Vineyard is one of the many highlights in this range. It possesses tons of fruit and inner perfume to match its exuberant, explosive personality. Wild cherry, mint, cedar, pipe tobacco and menthol meld into the substantial finish. Give the tannins a few years to soften. (Drink between 2026-2038). Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (4/2021): A restrained nose reluctantly reveals its aromas of red raspberry, cranberry and lavender. There is once again good energy to the delicious and beautifully well-detailed middle weight flavors that conclude in a dusty, moderately austere and mildly lean finish that also flirts with dryness. Again, I suspect that the finish will better harmonize with time in bottle and as such this is not likely to make for especially interesting early drinking. In any event, if you're tempted anyway, I would suggest serving it with a proper dish. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
|
2018 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard is supple, polished and elegant. Blueberry, spice, menthol, licorice and lavender all meld together in the glass. Silky tannins give this mid-weight, juicy Pinot tons of sheer appeal. Best of all, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is one of the more reserved wines in this flight of Williams Selyem Pinots. Bright, medium in body and nicely focused, the Olivet Lane is built more on energy rather than volume or fleshiness. I very much like the tension here. I imagine the 2018 will be even better with another few years in bottle. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is plump and juicy, with a lovely sense of immediacy that runs through it. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon are all nicely kicked up in this mid-weight, gracious appellation-level Pinot from Williams Selyem. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) captures all the delicacy of this, admittedly large appellation, nicely. Brisk, perfumed and finely cut, the 2018 has so much to offer. I very much like the sense of energy here. White flowers, chalk, mint and lavender infuse the Sonoma Coast Pinot with terrific character and nuance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County) is laced with the essence of cherry candy, kirsch, flowers and a kick of sweet vanillin. Light to medium in body and racy, the Sonoma County Pinot is a stylish wine to drink now and over the next few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Vista Verde Vineyard offers terrific depth right out of the gate. Blueberry, sage, mint, lavender and spice all open in the glass. This mid-weight Pinot has a real core of strength and understated power lying in reserve, with plenty of supporting. minerality adding vibrancy. I would cellar it for a few years and see what happens. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard, from a site in the Yorkvillle Highlands, presents a whole range of floral and savory notes to play off its mid-weight structure. Crushed flowers, mint, sage, dried cherry and autumn leaves are all nicely balanced throughout. This is an especially ethereal style. |
|
|
2018 |
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is racy and overt from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, cola, spice, vanillin, mint and lavender infuse the 2018 with striking depth and resonance. I would prefer to drink this juicy, flamboyant Pinot over the next decade, give or take. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Zena Crown |
2018 |
Conifer Pinot Noir |
$69.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey |
2015 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,493.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,564.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,912.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,558.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,750.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,315.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,722.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (2x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,614.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$584.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$680.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$553.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Abbaye de Morgeot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,843.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Abbaye de Morgeot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,758.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,155.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,894.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,852.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Baudines (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,789.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Chassagne Montrachet Vieilles Vignes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$757.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chassagne Montrachet Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,439.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,287.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,521.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,740.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,218.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$834.97 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$834.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (1/2021): A tensile, racy wine—two-thirds from Pernand-Vergelesses, one-third from Aloxe-Corton—the 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, orange oil, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's chiseled and saline, with impressive cut and grip.
BH 91-93 (6/2020): (the proportions have changed again and in 2018 are in a 35/65% proportion from Les Languettes in Aloxe and En Charlemagne in Pernand.) A restrained, ultra-fresh and distinctly floral nose reflects notes of various white orchard fruit aromas, lemon zest and discreet wood toast. There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This isn't quite as structured as the Chevalier, but it too is promising. Drink 2028+. |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,840.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (1/2021): A tensile, racy wine—two-thirds from Pernand-Vergelesses, one-third from Aloxe-Corton—the 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, orange oil, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's chiseled and saline, with impressive cut and grip.
BH 91-93 (6/2020): (the proportions have changed again and in 2018 are in a 35/65% proportion from Les Languettes in Aloxe and En Charlemagne in Pernand.) A restrained, ultra-fresh and distinctly floral nose reflects notes of various white orchard fruit aromas, lemon zest and discreet wood toast. There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This isn't quite as structured as the Chevalier, but it too is promising. Drink 2028+. |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,771.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (1/2021): A tensile, racy wine—two-thirds from Pernand-Vergelesses, one-third from Aloxe-Corton—the 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, orange oil, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's chiseled and saline, with impressive cut and grip.
BH 91-93 (6/2020): (the proportions have changed again and in 2018 are in a 35/65% proportion from Les Languettes in Aloxe and En Charlemagne in Pernand.) A restrained, ultra-fresh and distinctly floral nose reflects notes of various white orchard fruit aromas, lemon zest and discreet wood toast. There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This isn't quite as structured as the Chevalier, but it too is promising. Drink 2028+. |
|
|
2019 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,302.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,965.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Le Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$12,797.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,542.99 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 92-94 (6/2021): Drink 2029+. |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,647.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,575.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,703.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$970.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres (2x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,597.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,380.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,873.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,026.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault Les Narvaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,071.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Champs Gains (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,607.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru en Remilly (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,381.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,015.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,124.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey |
2022 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Hommage a Marguerite (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,124.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey St. Aubin 1er Cru Hommage a Marguerite (6x750ML) |
$1,110.99 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|