This vintage is deeply saturated in color, showcasing its substantial backbone and structure, which are hallmarks of this incredible vintage. The wine offers a plush, juicy, and mouthwatering character, with ripe berry notes of blackberry, black cherry, crème de cassis, and dark plum that are very approachable in its youth.
The complex layers of wild bramble berry fruit, wild violets, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, graphite, and tobacco spice from the well-integrated oak are seamlessly interwoven with the full-bodied ripe tannins, which support a firm structure with balanced acidity. This creates a long, persistent, and textured finish, which will continue to reward after years of careful cellaring.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review – Rated 98:
Wild blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco and dark spice on the nose. Dried violets, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and a creamy texture. Intense, yet restrained and refined, with a solid core of dark berries and bitter chocolate. Really focused and crafted with exemplary Napa cabernet character. Try from 2024.
Jeb Dunnuck Review – Rated 97:
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is based on 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 90% new French oak. It’s a beautiful wine that shows the vintage’s pure, elegant, yet concentrated style perfectly. Gorgeous crème de cassis, violets, blueberries, and cedar pencil notes emerge from the glass, and this beauty builds incrementally on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a lively, pure, layered texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It can be enjoyed any time over the coming 20-25 years.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Review – Rated 95:
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with subtle notes of fresh blackberries, mulberries and crushed blackcurrants, plus emerging hints of redcurrant jelly, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and cedar chest. Full-bodied, rich and plush, it delivers mouth-coating black fruits and loads of savory layers with plenty of freshness and great length.
Wine Spectator Review – Rated 92:
Dark in profile, but fresh, with vibrant black currant and black cherry preserve flavors laced with streaks of violet, iron and tobacco. Shows good energy throughout. Best from 2022 through 2032.
Wine Enthusiast Review – Rated 90:
Thick and tannic on the palate in its youth, this wine shows a great deal of structure and integration, having spent 18 months aging in 90% new French oak. Red fruit shines in the form of currant, cassis and cranberry, with leathery texture and accents of dried herb and sage.
