Cabernet Sauvignon Double Diamond, Schrader 2018

Readers looking to get a taste of the impeccable quality and style from Schrader at a more affordable price point would do well to check out the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Double Diamond. Coming all from Oakville, it has a classic Cabernet nose of black and blue fruits, green tobacco, cedar pencil, damp earth, and chocolate. It's not over the top and has beautiful varietal character as well as medium to full body, ripe yet present tannins, good overall freshness, and a great finish. This is beautifully done and well worth a case purchase. I'd lean toward drinking bottles over the coming 10-12 years, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve longer. It's a candidate for the best Napa Cabernet under $100. Drink 2021-2035.

Prepare to be dazzled by this wine, with its harmonious integration of decadent fruit, refined structure, and exotic spice components. In the glass, the wine possesses a dark plum-purple hue. Intriguing aromatic notes of Mexican chocolate, nutmeg, brambly fruit, spearmint, and violets swell from the glass in concert. Upon entry, the mouthfeel is voluptuous, sleek, and inviting, while also exhibiting a silky tannin profile to provide a complex framework. Rich palate notes suggest black currant, blackberry reduction, leather, crushed rock, and allspice. This wine is very enjoyable and showing well today, but with 3-5 years in the cellar it will develop into an even more beautiful expression of the vintage.