Unwritten 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Helena Napa Valley 95 Points

Sourced from one of the most historic vineyard sites in Napa Valley, the Lewelling Ranch in Saint Helena, Helena, the Unwritten Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 has complex and inviting aromatics. The wine is opaque purple in the glass, visually demonstrating the wine’s youthfulness. The nose erupts with floral aromas of clove, sandalwood, and baking spice. This wine is not shy; it covers your palate with red and black fruits and is replete with succulent flavors of black cherry, crème de cassis, and plum compote. Gorgeous, taut tannins give the wine definition and weight, elongating its already lengthy finish. The 2018 vintage will evolve slowly into a more subtle and nuanced experience but is lusciously bold at the time of its release.

Winery Notes: “2018 was a winemaker’s dream. Ample spring rains and even temperatures throughout the season made for a delightfully predictable as well as superior vintage. The 2018 Unwritten Cabernet Sauvignon once again hails from the Lewelling Ranch in St. Helena, with just a tiny touch of cabernet from the heart of Oakville (just down Highway 29). This wine has intoxicating scents of clove, anise, rosemary, and incense. A heady, ambrosial quality, evocative of sweet resin, is counterpointed by notes of bergamot and citrus blossom. The entry suggests all the berries: blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, even huckleberry. It’s the proverbial “mixed berry” compote with a pod of cardamom steeped in for edge and complexity. The palate moves gently from fruit to a chewy resistance formed by the dense and rich tannin structure. Chock full of gravitas, the 2018 vintage is a study in succulence; enjoyable now, yet age-able for decades.

FMW 95 Points: “ This 2018 Unwritten Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely gorgeous.  Full in body with powerful aromas of blueberry and blackberry preserves, and a hint of crème de cassis that jumps out of the glass.  The wine is super-expressive and understated, with a  palate that is lusciously packed with juicy black fruits and hints of chocolate and espresso. The wine offers tons of finesse and is framed by soft silky tannins.  Sadly only 150 cases were produced.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “Lots of minty herbs, plums, spice, and floral notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, classic 2018 that has terrific tannins as well as purity of fruit. I like it today, yet it’s going to evolve for 15+ years if well stored.”