Gallica 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa Valley 97 POINTS

Robert Parker 97 Points: ”Coming from Oakville Ranch vineyard, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it soars from the glass with expressive scents of stewed plums, boysenberries, black raspberries and cassis, plus suggestions of wild thyme, forest floor, cedar chest and cinnamon stick with a waft of iron ore. The palate is elegantly styled with a medium body and tightly knit black and red fruit layers, supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing long and minerally.”

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “While I wasn’t able to taste the 2017 from this estate, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon showed incredibly well, revealing a deep purple color as well as a gorgeous Bordeaux-like nose of blackcurrants, blackberries, lead pencil, graphite, and scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with fabulous purity of fruit, a layered, seamless texture, and the freshness and elegance that’s the hallmark of the 2018 vintage front and center, this is a thrilling Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20-25 years or more.”

Vinous 97 Points: “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous, totally sensual wine. Inky dark fruit, spice, leather and menthol build in the glass, with soft, plush contours that wrap it all together. This is an especially polished, sumptuous wine from Oakville Ranch, where the wines are often more brutish. The 2018 is just as brilliant today as it was from the barrel. There is certainly terrific energy and verve here.”