Cathy Corison's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon remains true to her own stylistic bent, weighing in at 13.8%. Hints of tobacco and crushed stone accent cassis, with minimal wood influence on the nose, despite it being aged 20 months in 50% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, it's concentrated, silky, long and elegant, a balanced, refreshing alternative to much of what Napa has to offer these days.
James Suckling (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.
Jancis Robinson (17)
Jancis Robinson: Full bottle 1,332 g. Made from 'three great benchland vineyards between Rutherford and St Helena'.
Mid crimson. Aromatic with ripe but modulated cassis fruit and a hint of balsam. Non showy. Some fine sandpaper tannins still in evidence and a really refreshing finish. Made for the table with impressive refinement. I'd decant it this year and next.
BOW (8.50)
Winespectator (93)
Delightfully fresh in feel, with Damson plum, cherry paste and red licorice notes that come across as bright and engaging, while violet and anise details chime through. Ample length and energy, with fruit in reserve, all with a fun, almost care-free feel thanks to its relatively toast-free finish.
Falstaff (95)
Deep ruby in colour with purple reflections and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, intense aromas of black berry fruit with subtle hints of liquorice, cassis, mint, and lime zest in the background. The palate has medium complexity, elegant and full of finesse, this is a European-style wine, with ripe black fruits, mineral and persistent, a well-balanced food wine with the potential for further ageing.
Wine Enthusiast (95)
This is a high-toned, tart and earthy wine from the beloved producer, structured and grippy in its youth. Textured, the savory character is etched in dried herb, violet and currant, it evolves to share elegant and delicate layers of blue fruit and black cherry. Graphite, turned earth and black pepper endure. Enjoy through 2038.
