2018 Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Buying options
Tasting notes
Readers looking to get a taste of the impeccable quality and style from Schrader at a more affordable price point would do well to check out the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Double Diamond. Released by Schrader as a separate brand and coming all from Oakville, it has a classic Cabernet nose of black and blue fruits, green tobacco, cedar pencil, damp earth, and chocolate. It's not over the top and has beautiful varietal character as well as medium to full body, ripe yet present tannins, good overall freshness, and a great finish. This is beautifully done and well worth a case purchase. I'd lean toward drinking bottles over the coming 10-12 years, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve longer. It's a candidate for the best Napa Cabernet under $100.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Double Diamond is a new label, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak, 50% new, for 16 months. Around 80% of the fruit was sourced from To Kalon vineyard. It is deep garnet-purple in color, springing from the glass with notes of crushed black cherries, warm cassis, wild blueberries and chocolate mint, plus a waft of dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruits, framed by plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and spicy. 9,000 cases were made.
An elegant, fruit-driven cabernet sauvignon with notes of red fruit and spices. Fresh herbs, such as thyme. It’s full-bodied and well balanced. The texture is pleasant and smooth with elegant tannins. The finish is long and flavorful. Drink or hold.
About the producer
Schrader Cellars is one of Napa’s cult names. It focuses on pairing specific clones with the perfect site to produce the ultimate expression of Napa Cabernet. The results regularly receive the very highest scores from critics, with 19 100-point scores from the Wine Advocate to date.