Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2018 (750ML)

93+ WA / 93 VM / 92 JS / 92 JD

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a deep ruby-purple color and luscious crème de cassis, violet perfume, cast-iron pan and notes of dark, exotic spices. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, silken and lifted, its lively flavors and sweet new oak spices dancing on the extended finish. This was made with 100% free-run juice. It is blended with 20% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc and was aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. Erin Brooks – The Wine Advocate

Deep, shimmering ruby. Red and black currant, smoky oak and a hint of vanilla on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with pliant cassis, bitter cherry, mocha and floral pastille flavors, while spice and mineral nuances lend back-end cut. Fleshy and deep but surprisingly lively as well, with well-knit tannins framing a finish that displays excellent focus and strong, fruity persistence. 50% new French oak. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

A little porty on the nose with dried berries and spice that follow through to a full body with medium firm tannins that are dusty in texture. Flavorful finish. Dry earth to the fruit at the end. Drink now.-James Suckling

A mix of estate and purchased grapes brought up in 50% new French oak, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a pretty bouquet of spiced black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and lead pencil notes. It has a wonderful elegance as well as full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and a great finish. It will stand up to any Cabernet at this price in California.-Jeb Dunnuck