2018 Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

Winemakers Notes

2018 Vintage 2018 was a near picture-perfect growing season that began in late February followed by a mild Spring yielding uniform grape clusters. Temperatures remained moderate to cool throughout the season with 2018 being considered one of the coolest vintages of the past decade. The cooler temperatures allowed for a longer hangtime resulting in an even and temperate harvest. 

The grapes for this 2018 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested from vineyards across Napa Valley including those planted in Oakville and our Rutherford and St. Helena estates as well as hillside locations that provide the wine with good structure. Picked in the early morning hours to maintain freshness between September 29 and November 9, the grapes went through extended maceration. The wine was aged for 19 months in 37% new French oak barrels before being bottled unfiltered. This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a beautiful bouquet of blackcurrants, espresso and notes of violet. An array of dense dark fruit flavors of rhubarb, dark cherry and blackberries are layered with blackcurrants, clove and orange peel. This is a fullbodied and structured wine with well-integrated and supple tannins and a richly textured finish that coats the palate.