2018 Cervantes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon MMXIII is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries and ripe blackberries, plus hints of menthol, violets and dark chocolate. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy black fruits and is wonderfully plush, featuring a lively backbone with loads of spiciness coming through on the long finish.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon offers an intriguing mix of aromatic savoriness and dense, explosive fruit. Inky dark fruit, gravel, smoke, dried herbs, licorice and tobacco build in a deep, potent Cabernet Sauvignon loaded with personality.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a dense purple color as well as a ripe, sexy nose of blackcurrants, chocolate-covered blueberries, graphite, and charcoal. It's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, with a touch of firmness in its tannins that will require bottle age. I’m not sure this beauty matches the 2016, but time will tell, and it certainly has lots of character and is a beautiful wine. It might just take more time. Forget bottles for 4-5 years and drink over the following 20-25 years.