Wine Advocate (97-100)

The 2018 Cave des Lions is a barrel sample of about 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, aging in 100% new French oak. It comes from fruit that grows in front of the Daou family home. Opaque purple-black in color, it has the most singular nose loaded with kaleidoscopic aromas: cigar ash, English breakfast tea, rooibos, hibiscus, iron, crushed stone, blackcurrant jam, blackberry pie, vanilla bean, Morello cherries, chocolate box and cigar box. I’ve never smelled anything like this—it's like staring into a well of archetypal Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to full-bodied, the satiny palate spreads its glorious flavor wings, with unbelievable melting tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and very layered. This is unreal!

Vinous (96)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is such a gorgeous and highly representative wine off this site. Crushed rocks, graphite, menthol, crème de cassis and spice are so typical of this site. At this stage, the Piedras does not have the sheer appeal or immediacy of the Crane, but then again, that is Piedras. All of this fruit is Clone 4, which in this rugged site yields very small berries with plenty of concentration. And that is exactly what comes through in this majestic Cabernet.

Wine Advocate (98+)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose of the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard starts off with soft-spoken scents of ripe red and black plums, cassis, black raspberries and mulberries, followed by gentle wafts of cedar and pencil lead and finally bursting out with Sichuan pepper and hoisin notes. The medium to full-bodied palate is opulent, plushly textured and brimming with spicy red and blackberry layers, going beautifully perfumed on the long finish. Paul Hobbs mentioned that he backed off on the new oak this year, aging the wine in 85% new French oak (as opposed to 100%). I love this more elegant, nuanced expression a lot. 688 cases were made.

Vinous (95)

The 2018 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard is quite floral and perfumed in this vintage. Jasmine, white pepper, mint and lemon peel give the 2018 a brilliant aromatic upper register. In most vintages the Richard Dinner Chardonnay is distinguished by more of a phenolic character, but the 2018 is all about lift and energy.

Hailing from Oregon's revered Willamette Valley, the Penner Ash Pinot Noir 2018 exemplifies mastery in winemaking. This exceptional pour is the creation of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, lauded for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and artisan techniques. The wine, sourced primarily from the Dussin Vineyard, assures a pedigree of distinction.

The opulent Penner Ash Pinot Noir 2018 is beautifully crafted, aged in French oak for 10 months to enhance its complexity. The wine enchants the senses with its nose of black cherry, winter spice and forest floor. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of ripe berries, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate. Its medium-bodied richness, seamlessly integrated tannins, and excellent persistence make it a standout choice.

For those searching for a wine that epitomizes the elegance of Oregon Pinot Noir, the Penner Ash Pinot Noir 2018 does not merely meet expectations – it transcends them.

James Suckling (97)

Love the sweet berries, black olives, tile and fresh herbs on the nose with floral undertones. Oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are beautifully polished and refined. Very long finish. All about finesse and wonderful length. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink after 2023.

James Suckling (95)

Very attractive aromas of dried apricot, citrus rind and cooked apple follow through to a full body with a creamy, layered palate that shows tension and intensity. Really enjoy the phenolic focus and length. Almost chewy. like a red wine. Just a hint of dried peach and nuts at the end. Drink now or hold. Maybe even decant.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

Packed full of vivid (there really doesn't seem any other word for it) cassis and blueberry fruits, floral, textural and nuanced. Cabernet Sauvignon signature mix of crushed rocks, mint, crayon and slate, just a brilliant wine and a reflection of its exceptional site. This is elegant and precise while still delivering muscular, powerful flavours. I first tasted it at the property last November, and it's reassuring to see it make exactly the same impression when retasted back in Bordeaux, away from the awe-inspiring landscape. Harvest September 10 through to October 23. David Cilli winemaker, director Will Harlan.

James Suckling (99)

This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character. Some much earthier character, too, from mushrooms to bark. Forest flowers. Perfumed. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a soft, creamy finish. Some iron and iodine to this. So attractive at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2023.

The Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee Chardonnay 2018 is a sophisticated offering from the famed California wine region. This stunningly bright and balanced Chardonnay is graced with lively acidity and flavourful fruit notes.

Produced by the esteemed partnership of French and American wine professionals - Justin Willett, Etienne de Montille, and Rodolphe Péters, Racines curates select grapes from the most exceptional Sta. Rita Hills vineyards. With an unflinching commitment to quality and the principles of sustainable winemaking, the 2018 Cuvee carries their experienced craftsmanship in every bottle.

Starting with hand-picked, sorted and immediately pressed grapes, it is fermented in French oak barrels using native yeast. This graceful Chardonnay is then aged 12 months sur lie to develop layered complexity. It presents an impressive balance of rich and restrained, with invigorating minerality, green apple, citrus, and subtle oak nuances. Offering depth, elegance, and longevity, the Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee Chardonnay 2018 is undoubtedly a wine connoisseur’s dream.

The Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir 2018 is a captivating testament to Californian artisanal wine-making. Produced under the deft hands of Justin Willett and Etienne De Montille, Racines reflects its De Montille Burgundy lineage with meticulous and limited intervention, elevating the latent vitality of new world vineyards. Grown in the distinctive limestone soils of Sta. Rita Hills, the fruit's opulence is tempered by cool Pacific winds.

This biodynamically farmed wine offers a harmonious blend of plush fruitiness and youthful vitality, imbued with charming aromatics of fresh raspberries, dark cherry, and subtle hints of cardamom and spice. The palate is intricately layered with captivating depth, intertwining velvety, precise tannins with crisp acidity, ending in a long, evocative finish.

Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee Pinot Noir 2018 is not just a wine, it is an epitome of tradition converging with innovation, reflecting the winemakers' pursuit of perfection.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

From older plantings on a wide-spaced site—one the producer has worked with for some time—this wine is complicated and wild, combining rich, elegant flavors of salty sea breeze with ginger and lemon puree. Seamless and supple, it has a backbone of structure and lively acidity that pair effortlessly with the apple and pear.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

An incredible showcase for the appellation, this combines grapes from the producer's estate Westside Farms with Dutton, Woolsey Road and Rochioli Allen, among others. Together it is broadly floral, earthy and richly integrated, with depth and complexity, the acidity vibrantly fresh.

Vinous (97+)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer emerges from Realm’s estate vineyard in Stags Leap. Inky, opulent and full-throttle, the Moonracer captures the personality of this site and vintage so well. Crème de cassis, licorice, spice, menthol, new French oak and lavender all flesh out as this sumptuous, exotic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its racy curves. The 2018 needs a bit of time to fully come together, but it was only bottled this past June, which is to say later than most of the wines in Realm’s September 2020 release. Patience will be rewarded. For those who can’t wait, the 2018 starts to become approachable about 12 hours after opening. When the remainder of the 2018s are released in early 2021 readers will see a new, small bottling from the very top of the estate made from blocks planted with one of the most important legacy Cabernet Sauvignon clones in Napa Valley. But back to Moonracer. It is a wine that captures so much of what makes the Realm wines special and unique. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.

Vinous (98)

The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that run through the 2018. This is the first vintage that includes a dollop of Petite Sirah from Bourn. It is also the first vintage in which a portion of the wine was aged in concrete eggs, which seems to add tension and a palpable sense of vibrancy. The Bard is a blend of 40 different lots, everything from Calistoga to Coombsville, a marriage of elements that works so well. Although none of these wines could be referred to as inexpensive, The Bard is a tremendous relative value within the context of high-end Napa Valley. I loved it. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah.

Vinous (98)

The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that run through the 2018. This is the first vintage that includes a dollop of Petite Sirah from Bourn. It is also the first vintage in which a portion of the wine was aged in concrete eggs, which seems to add tension and a palpable sense of vibrancy. The Bard is a blend of 40 different lots, everything from Calistoga to Coombsville, a marriage of elements that works so well. Although none of these wines could be referred to as inexpensive, The Bard is a tremendous relative value within the context of high-end Napa Valley. I loved it. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah.

Vinous (95+)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard opens with striking, floral-infused aromatics that give the wine presence and structure. Savory and finely cut, with superb delineation, and tons of depth, the Alpine is positively stellar today. Layers of fruit enshroud the tannins, making them barely perceptible. The 2018 is a stunning Pinot from Alpine, a site originally planted with 17 heritage clones.

Vinous (97)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is dense and brooding. Black cherry, licorice, spice, leather, herbs and mineral accents shape this ample, beautifully resonant Pinot Noir. Diatomaceous Monterey soils estimated to be 11-15 million years old yield a Pinot of notable breadth, texture and complexity.

Vinous (96+)

The 2018 Monte Bello is a wine of extraordinary finesse. Although it doesn’t have the body or overt richness of some recent vintages, it more than makes up for that with its total sense of harmony. Lavender, mocha, spice, licorice and dried flowers all develop in a sublime, refined Monte Bello that will thrill Ridge lovers. This is an especially elegant, lithe vintage for Monte Bello that is marked by a dry year with no heat spikes and a very long harvest that wrapped up in late October.

Jeb Dunnuck (97-100)

From a great site in the foothills of Howell Mountain, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard is going to flirt with perfection on release. Possessing full-bodied richness and depth as well as massive concentration, it’s nevertheless as graceful as they come, with stunning purity and finesse in both its tannins and texture. Offering exotic black fruits, green tobacco, olive, and subtle background oak, I suspect 4-5 years of bottle age will be warranted, but this is a special wine in the making.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard is another gorgeous wine. In almost any other range, it could be the highlight, but the Rivers-Marie 2018s are brilliant across the board. In the glass, the 2018 offers a striking balance of floral intensity, fruit and structure. All of that makes the Summa the most complete and satisfying wine to drink in the early going. Rose petal, mint, exotic spice and earthy tones add complexity throughout.

Wine Advocate (98+)

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red Wine was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant scents of candied violets, red roses, black raspberries and fragrant earth over a core of cassis, wild blueberries and Morello cherries with a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully balanced velvety tannins and seamless freshness framing the opulent black and red berry layers, finishing very long and perfumed. 670 cases were made.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Pure perfection in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Scarecrow’s 2018 reveals a dense purple hue as well as an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, toasted spices, chocolate, darker currants, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied, dense, off-the-charts sexy 2018 that has the vintage’s purity and freshness backed up by flawless balance, a layered mouthfeel, and building yet elegant tannins. This cuvée is hard to resist given its texture and wealth of fruit, but it will ideally be given 3-5 years and should evolve for 30 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Pure perfection in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Scarecrow’s 2018 reveals a dense purple hue as well as an incredible bouquet of pure crème de cassis, toasted spices, chocolate, darker currants, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied, dense, off-the-charts sexy 2018 that has the vintage’s purity and freshness backed up by flawless balance, a layered mouthfeel, and building yet elegant tannins. This cuvée is hard to resist given its texture and wealth of fruit, but it will ideally be given 3-5 years and should evolve for 30 years or more.

Discover the exquisite Schrader Assortment Case 2018, a compilation of brilliance from one of Napa Valley's most esteemed wineries. Handcrafted in California’s prime winegrowing regions, Schrader's commitment to viticulture perfection knows no bounds. This assortment case is a demonstration of their ethos, encapsulating six distinct Cabernet Sauvignon wines, each with unique terroir expressions.

Produced using state-of-the-art winemaking techniques, the Schrader wines in this case embody precision, intensity and harmony. Internationally-acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has expertly crafted each varietal, capturing the essence of the vintage and vineyard in every bottle. The famed To Kalon and Las Piedras vineyards offer the underlying character of these remarkable wines.

Immerse yourself in the Schrader Assortment Case 2018, an unparalleled showcase of the winemaker's craft. Experience the luxurious complexity of each bottle; From ripened berry notes to subtle hints of earthiness, it's a voyage through the best of Napa Valley terroir.