PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The cooler vintage allows more of the red fruits to shine in the 2018 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose shows aromas of ripe cherry and raspberry, rose petal, anise, and a touch of blueberry and blackberry underneath. The barrels add layers of vanilla, toffee, nutmeg, cardamom, and cedar. These flavors come through on the palate as well, which is silky upon entry with a mouth-filling mid-palate and showcases big and bold, yet fine and velvety, tannins throughout. The finish lingers for an eternity and eventually leaves you with the impression of baker's chocolate and espresso.

Vinous 95 Points "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a powerful, dense wine. Inky black cherry, new leather, spice, menthol, and licorice add to an impression of brooding intensity. I would cellar 2018 for at least a few years, as the tannins are pretty impenetrable at this stage."

Jeb Dunnuck 94+ Points "Moving to the two Cabernet releases, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is based on 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec and the rest Petit Verdot, all from Oakville fruit. Promising yet restrained notes of ripe currants, tobacco leaf, sharpened #2 pencils, and chocolate give way to a full-bodied Cabernet that has sweet tannins, a layered, elegant texture, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. This rich, concentrated 2018 can be drunk today with ample pleasure or cellared for 15-20 years or more."

Wine Advocate 94 Points "Composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate displays a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant notes of Black Forest cake, crème de cassis and wild blueberries with nuances of red roses, Chinese five spice, camphor, and black olive plus a hint of charcoal. Full-bodied, the decadently rich fruit has impressive freshness lifting the palate along with firm, finely grained tannins, finishing long and fragrant."

Odette Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points "Moving to the two reds, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is brilliant all the way, offering a smorgasbord-like bouquet of blueberries, raspberries, spring flowers, cured meats, tobacco, and assorted other spicy, floral nuances. I always find a subtle red fruit and mineral character in top Stags Leap Cabernet, and this beauty has it in spades. Full-bodied on the palate, this pure, plush, sexy Napa Valley Cabernet has sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Seemingly all about sweet fruit and texture, it's nevertheless going to evolve for 20-25 years."

Robert Parker 93 Points "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate bursts from the glass, offering vibrant notes of blackberry pie, plum preserves and black and red currant jelly with nuances of bay leaves, tar and licorice plus a waft of cinnamon stick. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with juicy black fruits, supported by approachable, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long with an herbal lift."

Wine Spectator 93 Points "Rich and dense, offering licorice root-studded notes of dark currant, fig and blackberry compote, laced with singed alder and tobacco through the finish. Not shy but has definition and drive, with a graphite note extending the finish. Best from 2023."

Cade Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The resulting wine is fantastic with aromas of clove, cranberry, raspberry, coffee, cinnamon, black pepper, and cocoa nibs. Gloriously pure notes of boysenberry, graphite, blackberry, coffee, and dark chocolate soar from the glass and cascade over the palate. The wine is full-bodied, with an opulent, velvety texture, pure, rich with firm tannins and bold structure that is classic Howell Mountain. Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

Vinous 95 Points "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a sumptuous Howell Mountain Cabernet. It offers up an exciting mélange of dark red/purplish fruit, rose petals, spice, game, mint, and blood orange. More than anything else, the Estate Cabernet delivers plenty of Howell Mountain richness, with nicely softened tannins that make it a total pleasure to taste."

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes all from the estate on Howell Mountain and is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, and the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot. More blue fruits, bay leaf, candied violets, orange blossom, and floral notes emerge from this full-bodied beauty, which reveals a rounded, sexy texture, polished tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles just a few years in the cellar and it's going to keep for 15+."

Wine Spectator 93 Points "This is a ripe and strapping young red, packed with dark currant and fig paste flavors carried by a strident and sleek structure. A great, piercing graphite edge comes in on the finish, along with licorice snap and tar accents. Textbook Howell Mountain Cab, built for cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2035."