93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Rutherford Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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The Rutherford winegrowing region has long been the source for some of the Napa Valley’s most storied Cabernets, and for many years, this coveted fruit has played an important role in our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Building on our experience with these exceptional grapes, this wine captures the essence of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, from its lovely layers of blackberry, cassis and tobacco to the dusty minerality that has come to define the legendary wines from this appellation.
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
93
James Suckling
93
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Notes
This terroir-driven wine shows an intense array of wild blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry jam and dark chocolate aromas, as well as hints of wet slate, graham cracker and cardamom. On the palate, classic notes of dusty Rutherford minerality and beautifully balanced French oak frame both red and dark berry
flavors, with notes of graphite, cracked pepper, caramel and black tea adding depth to a long, fruit-filled finish.
Production
For both red and white grapes, 2018 offered near picture-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather, and no significant heat events. The conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which show beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavors at low sugars. While our Chardonnay harvest began about three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger than average crop for our red Bordeaux varieties, with fully lignified seeds at low sugars levels. With temperate weather throughout fall, we were able to pick each block at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Acid
0.62 g/100 ml
pH
3.66
Aging
Aged 16 months in 100% French Oak: 50% New, 50% Neutral
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
93
James Suckling
93