2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky
Buying options
Tasting notes
There are few vintages of Old Sparky that don't merit a perfect rating, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky isn't one of them. This flawless wine offers up a wild smorgasbord of aromas and flavors, with loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, scorched earth, lead pencil, violets, blood orange, tobacco, and flowery incense all developing with time in the glass. Deep purple-hued and incredibly full-bodied, it has ripe, silky tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. This magical wine stays weightless and elegant on the palate, never seeming heavy, cumbersome, or over the top, and it's a wine that just begs to be drunk yet will evolve for decades. Hats off to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for yet another heavenly Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that could come from nowhere else in the world. Life is too short not to have experienced this cuvée!
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A great expression of cabernet sauvignon. Full-bodied with notes of crushed berries and nuts. Well balanced,with great quality to the tannins and pleasant acidity. The structure and texture are in harmony, leading to a long, flavorful finish. Shows wonderful length and beauty. Goes on and on. Needs at least five years to mellow. Try after 2025.
About the producer
Schrader Cellars is one of Napa’s cult names. It focuses on pairing specific clones with the perfect site to produce the ultimate expression of Napa Cabernet. The results regularly receive the very highest scores from critics, with 19 100-point scores from the Wine Advocate to date.