2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge

A smaller production release from a single parcel on the estate, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge Vineyard is also mineral-laced and pure Diamond Mountain magic, with a deep purple hue as well as incredible notes of blue fruits, burning embers, graphite, cedarwood, tobacco, and crushed rocks. As with the Calarcadia Vineyard, it's tight, backward, and almost Bordeaux-like in its structure and reserved yet concentrated style. It's not for those craving up-front, massive Napa Valley aromas and flavors, but it's pure class in its balance, structure, and purity. It's no lightweight wine either and brings considerable power. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and enjoy over the following half-century.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge captures a striking interplay of richness and energy. Bright saline notes, iron, dried herbs and mint add striking shades of nuance to a core of red berry fruit. The 2018 has more than enough fruit to drink well early, but the lively acids ensure it will age gracefully too. I very much like the sense of energy here.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Ridge Vineyard was aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sails out of the glass with notes of black cherry compote, blueberry pie and cast-iron pan plus hints of redcurrants, cardamom and fenugreek. Full-bodied, it has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the taut black fruit layers, finishing savory. 136 cases were made.