Arkenstone - Cabernet Sauvignon NVD 2018

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94 Points, Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose reveals notes of warm plums, baked black currants and black cherries with suggestions of clove oil, black tea, Chinese five spice and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with firm, crunchy black berry flavors with bags of freshness and plush tannins, finishing with compelling energy."

Arkenstone Description

Overlooking St. Helena, high up on the western ridge of Howell Mountain, with amazing, sweeping views looking down over the Napa Valley to the South, Spring Mountain to the West, the wild, forested Bell Canyon to the North, and Mount St. Helena beyond, Arkenstone is a panoramic perch.

The 13-acre Estate vineyard is planted primarily to traditional Bordeaux varietals, split into 22 separate blocks. Rootstocks, clones and varietals were carefully selected to match the widely varied soils, slopes and exposures found on the Arkenstone Estate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc make up the majority of the plantings, in addition to a very small amount of Syrah. The vines are planted on slopes that range from a 2% incline on the flattest blocks to 50% grade on the steepest. Arkenstone exclusively uses organic practices in the vineyards.

The Howell Mountain AVA sits above the fog in the peak growing season during our summer months. As the fog hunkers down on the Valley floor, up here in the sunshine we have more hours of photosynthesis during our daylight hours. This, along with the altitude and a dry, temperate, climate give us, simply put, perfect growing days.

Wine Advocate: 94 Points

The 2018 NVD Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose reveals notes of warm plums, baked black currants and black cherries with suggestions of clove oil, black tea, Chinese five spice and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with firm, crunchy black berry flavors with bags of freshness and plush tannins, finishing with compelling energy. 1,200 cases were made. 94 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Jan 2021)

Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points

Moving to the reds, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon NVD comes from a mix of valley floor and mountain fruit, offering medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of blue fruits, chocolate, roasted herbs, and bouquet garni. It has plenty of fruit, soft tannins, and a balanced, delicious style geared for drinking over the coming 10-15 years or so. 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2021)