2018 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate

The estate also releases a number of "Gravel Series" wines, which are a collaboration between the MacDonnell Family and winemaker Tomas Rivers Brown. All Cabernet from Rutherford, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Scholar's Gate is a gorgeous 2018 that's only going to get better with bottle age. Terrific notes of crème de cassis, toasted spices, cedarwood, tobacco, and dried flowers give way to a full-bodied, beautifully textured, elegant wine that has integrated tannins and flawless overall balance. It's not a blockbuster yet has a seamless elegance that builds nicely with time in the glass. It's approachable today given its balance, yet will show even more complexity with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20-25 years.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate is dazzling. Dark red cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spice and tobacco are all kicked up a few notches in the Scholar's Gate. Powerful and backward, yet in the mid-weight style of the year, the Scholar's Gate captures the essence of this part of Western Rutherford. There is so much personality here.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate is ample, creamy and rich, with tons of texture and also more than enough freshness to play off some of the wine's richer leanings. Seamless and opulent in the glass with stunning richness, the 2018 is just a glorious Cabernet. All the elements just fall into place.