2018 Vine Hill Ranch, VHR Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Bottle (750mL)

LP100 Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon starts slightly closed. A little patient swirling unlocks vibrant notes of black currant cordial, black cherry compote, and dark chocolate notes with hints of star anise, beef drippings, and Indian spices, followed by an earthy suggestion of fragrant soil. Full-bodied, the palate shimmers with energetic black and blue fruits, framed by exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and opulent. This spectacular expression of Napa Cabernet will need another five years in bottle, at least, then watch it blossom and transform over the next 30 years+. Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1100 cases were made.

JS99 Amazed at the structure and depth of this wine, its form and tension giving incredible energy and length. Blue fruit, mint and spearmint. The tannins are folded into the wine and spread across the palate like the finest velvet. It goes on and on and on. Svelte nature. A classic wine, harking back to the glorious classics of the 1970s.

AG98+ The 2018 VHR – Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is off the charts. What a wine. Nearly seamless in feel, the 2018 possesses tremendous stature and intensity from the very first taste. Dark-fleshed fruit, menthol, dried herbs, leather and graphite are some of the many notes that saturate the palate. The 2018 is a wine that continues to blossom, exceeding even my own early expectation. This is an especially fine showing, the best yet.