2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is just gorgeous. Bright, aromatic and light on its feet, the 2018 possesses tremendous aromatic presence, layers of sculpted fruit and mid-weight structure, all of which work so well together. Rose petal, crushed red berry fruit, mint and blood orange lend captivating personality. The Zakin Cabernet is a wine for readers who appreciate elegance and finesse more than just power. The Zakin Cabernet remains one of the great under the radar gems in Napa Valley.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc that comes all from the estate on Howell Mountain. It offers lots of smoky black fruit, gravelly earth, chocolate, tobacco, and bay leaf-like aromatics to go with a rich, structured, medium to full-bodied style on the palate. It's classic Howell Mountain with its blue fruits and foresty, exotic aromatics as well as its firm tannins. Give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar, and it should evolve for at least 10-15 years.
A barrel sample, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate contains 5% Cabernet Franc and is to be aged 20 months in 80% new French Taransaud, Ermitage and Sylvain barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up crushed black currants, blackberries and mulberries scents with touches of dried herbs, forest floor, crushed rocks and cedar plus a waft of tobacco leaf. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and crunchy with a chewy texture and herbal lift on the finish.