2019 Highest Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon

Set against the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Highest Beauty seems richer and more complete, offering up seductive aromas of cassis, cocoa powder and perfumed hints of cedar. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a slightly grainy texture. It's open-knit, but in a good way, ripe and welcoming rather than coarse, impeccably balanced in the manner of virtually all of winemaker Andy Erickson's top wines.

Compared to the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Highest Beauty is broader and more opulent, with a massive, full-bodied style as well as velvety tannins, lots of spicy, classy background oak, both red and black fruits, and a great mid-palate. I slightly prefer the vibrancy and focus of the 2018, but these are both brilliant wines that show the quality and style of their vintages, as well as their terroir. The 2019 is already accessible, but I have no doubt it will evolve for 20 years.

Boasting tiers of cassis, plum, mulberry and black cherry fruit stacked on one another, this towering example relies on purity and focus as much as power, thanks to racy yet deeply embedded acidity as well as enticing violet and iron notes that fill in throughout. Rather than just lingering, the fruit ripples with underlying energy on the lengthy finish. Outright gorgeous. Best from 2024 through 2040. 550 cases made.