Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Rutherford, California) - [JS 95] [VM 94] [DM 94] [WE 94] [JD 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to John Daniel Jr., who produced the much-heralded Inglenook 1941 Cabernet Sauvignon from vine cuttings brought from Bordeaux to the Inglenook Estate by founder Gustave Niebaum. Today, this standout wine is still crafted with organically-farmedfruit grown exclusively on our estate

2018 Vintage Notes:
Well-timed spring rainfall and moderate temperatures throughout the season set the stage for a generous 2018 crop of excellent quality. Blocks contributing to our 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon represent the true diversity of the Inglenook estate. We picked the first Merlot from the Gio vineyard on September 13, and the earliest Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cohn blocks on September 21. Fruit from Lower Cask and Walnut in the Pritchett Hill vineyard, in the heart of the Rutherford Bench arrived next, while Cabernet from the Chateau blocks ripened fully by the first week of October.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
A wine of considerable charm, energy and finesse, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is opaque ruby red in color, and opens with aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, espresso and cedar. Although powerful below the surface, the wine is extremely focused and well-balanced, with silky tannins, ample freshness, and vibrant structure, that lead to a crescendo in the lengthy, polished finish.

Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, 0.5% Petit Verdot
Vineyard: Chateau, Cohn, Creek, Gate, Gio, La Lomita, Lower Cask, Red Barn, Walnut
Alcohol: 14.5%
Barrel Regime: 18 Months, 100% French Oak, 43% New Oak
Bottled: June 2020

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Full-bodied with lots of layered fruit and round, creamy tannins. The palate shows lovely ripe-berry character with chocolate and hazelnut and a long, flavorful finish. Hints of black truffles. Plenty going on here with a firm framework that gives the wine form and interest. Try it after 2022.

94 Points - Vinous:
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice. Racy and voluptuous to the core, the 2018 is very easy to enjoy today. It will be even better in a few years' time, once the aromatics open a bit more. It's great to see the 2018 has the same mid-palate volume it had as a barrel sample, prior to bottling. This is a terrific showing." Drink 2024-2038. - Antonio Galloni (September 2021)

This wine has such excellent drive, powerful but rounded and appealing at the same time. Blackcurrants and milk chocolate combine on the nose followed by a chewy, dark-fruited, liquorice-edged palate. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot. Wines are aged for 18 months in 100% French oak 43% new oak." Drink 2023-2034. - Georgina Hindle (July 2021)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Showing balance within a full-bodied frame, this wine is juicy in blueberry, black cherry and a hint of wild game. Oak adds spice and length, giving the plush, polished tannins room to expand and grip as a finishing touch of coffee bean builds." - Virginie Boone (April 2022)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A darker, meatier wine than the Rubicon release, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon offers lots of blackcurrants, leafy tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth-like aromas to go with a medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling, concentrated style on the palate. It shows the vintage’s purity as well as its freshness, yet brings a rich, expansive vibe that's a joy to drink. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades." (January 2021)