2018 Chappellet Mountain Estates Sugarloaf Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

(96 Points  --  Wine Advocate)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sugarloaf is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. This wine was aged in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose needs a little coaxing to begin, soon unfurling to reveal notions of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and mulberries with touches of mocha, Indian spices and lilacs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has an impressive backbone of super ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness supporting the muscular black fruit, finishing long and earthy/minerally. This is a relatively new, cooler-climate expression of Napa Valley, and I am loving it! 96+ (LPB)   Review Date: 10/2020