2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Etude Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is handcrafted with grapes from unique benchland vineyards representing the major sub-appellations of Napa Valley. Sure to continue gaining complexity an...
The Etude Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is handcrafted with grapes from unique benchland vineyards representing the major sub-appellations of Napa Valley. Sure to continue gaining complexity and revealing additional character with age, the wine is suitable for immediate enjoyment or cellaring for another two decades.
- Alcohol 14.0%
Tasting Notes
Beautiful and expressive, this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with perfumed ripe dark berries and bold, plush flavors, and texture. Layers of blackberry, cherry kirsch, dark plum, black currant, and cassis unfold alongside baking spice notes of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon, which complement delicate hints of cedar and oak spice (a nod to the well-integrated oak). With velvety-rich tannins, and a long, concentrated finish, exhibiting depth and balance, this is an attractive and inviting Cabernet. Perfect for sipping upon release and can age gracefully if cellared properly for many years to come.Vineyard Notes
The Etude Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is handcrafted with grapes from unique benchland vineyards representing the major sub-appellations of Napa Valley. The 2018 Cabernet was sourced with fruit from some of the most highly regarded winegrowers in Napa Valley—Vine Hill Ranch and Gamble Vineyards in Oakville, Bear Flats Vineyard in Calistoga, Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford, Bale Lane Vineyard in St. Helena, and Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville, while the Petit Verdot is from Perata Vineyard in Yountville. By deliberately sourcing fruit from this group of exemplary vineyards, this wine exhibits the full potential of what Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot can show in its flavors and textures, with vitality and finesse.Are you a Wine Club Member?
Specifications
Specifications
- Vintage: 2018
- Region: Napa Valley
- Appelation: Napa Valley
- ABV: 14.5
- Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes
Expert reviews
Napa Valley Vineyards
Process
The 2018 vintage
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Napa & Carneros
A near perfect season was welcomed in 2018 after several tense vintages, beginning with abundant February rains followed by drying sun and weather that allowed for even flowering and bud break. The slightly later start was followed by consistently ideal weather, with harvest for Pinot Noir occurring in late August and early September. Generally normal to heavier fruit-set with great flavor intensity and complexity will be the hallmark of the season.
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Sonoma Coast
Hallberg sits in one of the coolest areas of Sonoma County. Cooler temperatures and moderate weather allowed grapes to ripen perfectly, developing deep complexity, intensity, ripeness and balance with a beautiful freshness that came naturally. There was little to no frost during the spring fruit set and no heat spikes throughout the growing season – all of which helped the grapes reach full maturity, with harvest occurring in mid-September. Generally normal to heavier fruit-set with great flavor intensity and complexity will be the hallmark of the season.
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Willamette Valley
The Yamhill-Carlton District of Willamette Valley experienced an almost return to normal vintage in 2018. The spring and summer were some of the warmest and driest on record, but with no heat spikes recorded, the season increased in length due to the cool autumn weather. That allowed grapes to hang and develop complex flavors on the vine, while retaining freshness and acidity. The characteristic of the vintage is rich Pinot Noir fruit, with fully developed flavors, and a richness of tannins that gave structure to the wines.
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Santa Barbara
What may be considered a ‘classic’ vintage, the wines from 2018 show tremendous intensity and complexity. Santa Barbara County provided a mild to warm summer, with a cooler autumn, allowing the grapes to remain on the vine until they reached ideal maturity. While the quality of the grapes was phenomenal, our overall yields were down slightly due to smaller berry size and clusters. The fruit was harvested in late September, yielding wines with beautifully balanced acidity, exceptional weight and texture, and complex varietal flavors.
Winemaking