Amici Cellars Olema Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
(Sonoma County, California) - [JS 92] [DM 91]

About the Winery:
Amici Cellars, nestled in Napa Valley, is a family-owned winery dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the region's rich terroir. Founded by a group of friends with a shared passion for winemaking, Amici emphasizes hands-on involvement—from vineyard cultivation to cellar operations—ensuring each bottle embodies their commitment to quality.

About this Wine:
The 2018 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hand-selected from premier vineyards in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and Rockpile in Sonoma County. This deeply flavored wine features layers of fruit and a long, intense finish.

Growing Season 2018:
2018 was truly a winemakers’ vintage, and the quality of the resulting wines presents itself in bottle. Generous rainfall in February led to a late budbreak and extended flowering period. Beautiful and mild weather throughout spring and summer made for a healthy crop load. With no major heat spikes or weather events in the fall, winemakers were able to patiently wait to pick at optimal fruit ripeness.

Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon opens with lovely aromas of currant, plum, ripe blackberry and dark fruits structured with a warm, cobbler-like sweet oak. On the palate, the wine has polished, silky tannins with notes of dark chocolate, blueberry, cherry kirsch and cocoa.  

BLEND: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot

BARREL AGING: Aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Lots of currants, vanilla and dark berries with walnuts and chocolate. It’s full-bodied, layered and flavorful. This is a rich cab and needs time to come together. Try after 2021." (Aug 2020)

91 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Lovely aromas of blackberry, currant and savoury spice. A heady, full-throttle mix of dark chocolate and nutty nuances build on the richly textured and solidly structured mid-palate, joined by more dense, ripe dark fruit." - Stacy Slinkard (Jan 2021)