2018 Keplinger RBK Oakville Ranch

A new wine, the 2018 RBK checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Cabernet Franc that's also from the Oakville Ranch Vineyard and, I believe, was brought up in new barrels. There are a scant 720 cases made, but it's well worth the extra effort to track down. A much different style than the Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon release, it's tighter, more backward, and tannic, with incredible crème de cassis and blackcurrant fruit as well as notes of charcoal, lead pencil, and Asian spices. Still tight, compact, and beautifully concentrated on the palate, it has masses of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. The cellar will be your friend on this one, though, and it will take a solid 7-8 years for this to hit maturity, where it should stay for upwards of two decades.