2018 Cadence Bel Canto

The 2018 Bel Canto is a Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that includes 17% Merlot. As with the Camerata, it spent 23 months in 50% new oak. Gorgeous notes of cassis and ripe black cherry fruits as well as leafy herbs, forest floor, iron, tobacco, and spice all soar from the glass, and this head-turning beauty is full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It's one of the finest wines I've ever tasted from Ben Smith and should be snatched up by readers! It's going to keep for 15+ years or more. Wow. This is easily the finest set of releases I’ve tasted from winemaker Ben Smith and he’s hit a home run in 2018. As always, these are classic Bordeaux blends from Red Mountain, yet I was blown away by the quality of the tannins as well as the seamless, elegant textures Smith was able to build into his wines. Don’t miss these beauties!