The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a bright, effusive wine loaded with character. Inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, lavender, spice and menthol all jump out of the glass. Rich and heady, with terrific delineation, the 2018 hits all the right notes. I would cellar it for a few years first. It's a gorgeous wine.

The base appellation 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley succeeds wonderfully in the vintage, offering classic blue fruits, cassis, scorched earth, crushed stone, and tobacco-like aromas and flavors. This beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a seamless, elegant texture, remarkable balance, and a great finish. It can be drunk today with loads of pleasure but will benefit from a handful of years of bottle age and drink nicely for 15+ years.

Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon rolls out of the glass with ready-for-business notes of freshly crushed black and red plums, Black Forest cake and ripe blackcurrants, plus suggestions of licorice, tar and new leather with a touch of wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with bold black fruit layers, framed by soft, velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long with a compelling floral perfume coming through. Nicely done!