Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a classically built Cabernet from volcanic soils on Mount Veeder.

Napa reckons 2018 among its finest recent vintages, and with reason: a long, slow, moderate season that came as relief after the difficulties of 2017. Up on Mount Veeder the estate works the way it has for decades, fermenting cool and reaching for size in vessels most Napa cellars abandoned long ago. Sixty per cent of this wine fermented in concrete, 30 in stainless steel and 10 in neutral French puncheons. Twenty months in foudre followed, then twelve in French barrique, then the customary two years in bottle before anyone was allowed near it. Comparisons with claret are not accidental here.

Restraint is the first impression, with cassis and dried herbs, iron and graphite, and tannin that arrives firm and unpolished. It needs air and time. Decant an hour ahead, serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and put it with rare lamb or a rib of beef.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.