Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2018 (750ML)

98 VM / 97 WS / 96 WE / 95 WI

#46 Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2023

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was just bottled this past summer. It is of course a very young wine, but possesses tremendous aromatic nuance and freshness to play off a core of huge dark fruit. Readers will have to be patient with the 2018, as it is an imposing, vertical Cabernet that needs years to be at its best. Bright floral and spice notes lift the soaring finish as the wine's inner sweetness gradually emerges over time. The 2018 is super-impressive. That's all there is to it.—Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This distinctive version leads with pine forest, sweet bay leaf and savory notes, with a core of steeped currant and bitter plum fruit, plus ample tobacco and warm stone notes in the background. The finish is chiseled in feel, with racy acidity taking just as prominent of a role as tannic grip. With range, character and energy to spare, this should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2025 through 2045.—JM, Wine Spectator

This is an earthy, classically structured wine of great pedigree and style. It goes against the grain of bigger and riper wines. Tangy red fruit, sage and pencil shavings make for an expressive, lengthy and complex experience of elegance and grace. This wine will do well in the cellar. Enjoy best from 2028–2038. Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to deep garnet in color. Scents of black cherries, juicy blackcurrants, and black raspberries spill from the glass, followed by fragrant hints of candied violets, charcoal, and bay leaves with a touch of crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate has a very firm backbone of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and earthy. It needs a good 4-5 more years.--Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent