2018 is the darkest, inkiest vintage in my memory, the result of an extremely long, cool ripening season with cold nights. Happily, natural acidity persists during ripening under these conditions and wildly complex flavors and aromas result. Because the weather was perfect at flowering, we had a bumper crop of deliciousness, making everyone happy.
Violet and dried rose perfume jumps out of the glass along with tart cherry, blueberry, plum and cassis fruit. Flavors follow with cocoa and refreshing minerality joining the party, and a tantalizing white pepper note for interest. Signature velvety tannins add texture and a gentle grip to complete the picture. - Cathy Corison
Vinous - explore all things wine 93
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Bright, floral overtones add liveliness and lift to a core of fruit ranging from red to purplish. Vibrant and seriously expressive, the 2018 dazzles with its class and nuance. The Napa Valley Cabernet is positively alluring, even at this early stage – not to mention flat-out delicious.Antonio Galloni, January 2020
Decanter 94
Perennially a yardstick of balance and grace, Cathy Corison’s St. Helena Cabernet admirably sums up the best that the 2018 vintage has to offer: power, clarity and poise. Delicate and deft aromas of red plums and damp soil. The palate is silky and fine, with a zesty, high-toned quality through the finish.Matthew Luczy, 13 October, 2020
Vinography 9.5
Dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of dried herbs, black cherry, blackcurrants, and lavender. In the mouth, intense blackcurrant and dried herb notes are juicy with fantastic acidity and savory with hints of dried flowers. A hint of salinity creeps into the finish along with a dusty earth note. Powdery tannins flex their muscles on the edges of the palate. While this is tasty right now, I’d leave it alone for 5 years to start getting the true magic here.Alder Yarrow, vinography.com, August 25, 2021
JamesSuckling.com 94
Aromas of currants, walnuts, stones and berries follow through to a full body with firm, layered tannins and a pretty finish. Lovely polish to this. Needs a year or two to come completely together, but already delicious. Try after 2021.
purely domestic wine report 97
The nose is supple blackberry, licorice, black currant and cedar. The palate entry is polished and lean black plum with beautifully balanced core of spice, ripe blueberry showing pristine delicacy. The finish develops a mouth-coating dusty black fruit and faint essence of minty bay laurel. Drink 2021 - 2040.
