This Week's Must-Try Wines from Vinous
Odette
Estate Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a powerhouse. It needs time to come together, as the elements are a bit disjointed, but there is a ton of potential, that much is clear. Dark blue/purplish berry fruit, spice, lavender, chocolate and white flowers abound. I would prefer to cellar the 2018 for a few years to allow the tannins to soften. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Kongsgaard
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2018
The 2018 Chardonnay is a gorgeous, luscious Chardonnay loaded with character. Plush fruit and soft contours bring out all of the natural richness of various Wente Clone Chardonnay selections. Almond paste, dried flowers, butter, chamomile, apricot and tropical fruit all build into a striking crescendo of flavors and textures. This is an especially oily, weighty style of Napa Valley Chardonnay. As always, the Napa Valley Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from Hudson and Hyde. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Shafer Vineyards
TD-9 Napa Valley Red Blend 2018
The 2018 TD-9, Shafer's Merlot-based blend, is just as delicious from bottle as it was from barrel. Succulent dark red cherry/red plum fruit, licorice, spice, lavender and dried herbs are front and center. Readers will find a gorgeous 2018 that is ready to deliver plenty of pleasure from the get-go. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Robert Biale Vineyards
Black Chicken Napa Valley Zinfandel 2018
The 2018 Zinfandel Black Chicken is dense and explosive in the glass. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, new leather, licorice and earthy notes abound. This is an especially potent, brooding Zinfandel, with all of its elements in total harmony. Drink it over the next 10-20 years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Oakville Ranch
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous. Opulent and creamy, with superb persistence, the 2018 packs a serious punch. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, menthol and licorice all build in the glass. The 2018 is deep and opulent to the core, but more than that, it captures all the personality of this site in Eastern Oakville. Bright floral accents liven up the finish nicely. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a very pretty wine that shows just how alluring the vintage is. Open-knit and silky, Artemis is so inviting today. Crushed flowers, hints of spice, leather, cedar and tobacco add attractive layers of nuance to this mid-weight, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Plumpjack
Napa Valley Syrah 2018
The 2018 Syrah is a powerhouse. Inky dark fruit and strong varietal notes scream out of the glass. Blackberry jam, dried herbs, licorice, sage, mint, graphite and black pepper all develop with a bit of coaxing. There is a lot of wine here, but a bit of patience is absolutely essential. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Nickel & Nickel
C.C. Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon C.C. Ranch is a wine of real breadth and dimension. All of the natural power of Rutherford comes through in a Cabernet that is impressive from the very first taste. Black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice, cloves and scorched earth all open in the glass. Sumptuous, bold and powerful, the 2018 C.C. Ranch is superb in this tasting.(Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Beringer Vineyards
Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Knights Valley) is a very elegant wine, especially for the appellation. Sweet cherry, mint, rose petal, gravel, licorice and orange peel give the 2018 soaring aromatic nuance. This gracious, mid-weight Cabernet has so much to offer. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label is fabulous. Inky, deep and powerful, the Black Label has so much to offer. Crème de cassis, graphite, new leather, cedar, mint, spice and lavender all run through this full-bodied, unctuous Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The Black Label pushes all the right buttons. It is a tremendous wine in every way. I loved it. The blend is 87% Leopoldina and 13% Fortuna. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
— 3 years ago