2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Based on 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the base 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beauty, offering classic currant and mulled cherry fruits as well as plenty of cedarwood, tobacco, and spice aromas and flavors. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with some grippy tannins and a classy finish. It's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a fabulous introduction to the Larkmead Cabernets. It offers lovely mid-palate pliancy to match its mid-weight structure. Transparent and wonderfully nuanced, the 2018 has so much to offer. Sweet red cherry, red plum, cinnamon, mocha and cedar linger on the soft, open-knit finish. For the money, the Napa Valley Cabernet is the hidden gem in this range.
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aged in French oak (66% new), the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (White Label) has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and skips out of the glass with bright, cheery scents of kirsch, black raspberries and cassis plus nuances of red roses, pencil shavings, cinnamon stick and wild sage plus a touch of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers a gorgeous, plush texture and just enough freshness to lift the generous black and red berry layers to a long, fragrant finish. 1,939 cases were made.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) emphasizes freshness and vibrancy, all in a mid-weight style that holds considerable appeal. Cedar, sweet tobacco, mint, dried cherry, and licorice are all very nicely articulated. The 2018 is another super-classic, absolutely delicious wine from Larkmead.