Cakebread Suscol Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 750ml

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California

Notes from the Winemaker

Our newest Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve wine is sourced exclusively from our Suscol Springs Estate Vineyard in southern Napa Valley. This wine has a complex nose of blackberry, fresh boysenberry, and violet with attractive hints of gravel. On the palate, layered, fresh expressions of blackberry, boysenberry, and black cherry are balanced by fresh acidity and supported by a firm tannic structure. The finish reveals a hint of minerality underlying the deep, dark fruit.

Vineyards & Vintage

Grapevines at our Suscol Springs estate are planted amid rocky outcroppings that overlook the valley floor. The effort to develop roots in these rocky soils creates a beneficial stress that causes vines to yield smaller berries of great concentration, balanced acidity, and supple tannins. This vineyard also experiences warm, sunny days and cool breezes—perfect conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon to beautiful varietal expression. The 2018 growing season kicked off with plentiful winter rainfall to replenish the soils. The rocky site of Suscol Springs Vineyard allows for good drainage and vines began the growth cycle with just the right amount of moisture. Steady vine growth and berry development progressed evenly through the summer months. The vintage was cooler than usual; grapes reached peak maturity with balanced fruit flavors and firm tannins.

Winemaking

We harvested grapes during the cool night hours to ensure the fruit retained freshness, purity, and natural acidity. Clusters were hand-sorted and destemmed, then whole berries were hand-sorted. Partial crush gave us optimum extraction of color, flavor, and tannin from the grape skins. Prior to fermentation, grapes underwent a “cold soak,” which softens the grape skins and further helps extract color and tannin. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels (70% new) for 22 months.

Reviews and Accolades

97 Points/The Somm Journal
This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot comes from Suscol Springs estate vines, planted on rocky outcroppings to yield small, concentrated berries. Spending 22 months in 70% new and 30% neutral French oak, it’s an invitation to luxury—as exhibited by plump, ripe blue fruit; a coating of dark chocolate; and firm tannins that bend as it continues to open up. Marvelous acidity and a weaving of minerality throughout reveal its power and finesse.

93 Points/James Suckling
Ripe blackberries, cassis, chocolate, mocha and sweet spices on the nose with some tobacco leaf. Full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Polished and well-balanced. Drink from 2023.

92 Points/Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Suscol Springs is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, exuberant notes of fresh blackberries, boysenberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles rocket from the glass, followed by hints of sautéed herbs, forest floor and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is intense and energetic, featuring finely grained tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing long and lifted.