Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Cornell 2018

Blackcurrants and flowers, such as roses and lilacs, together with some pine needles. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins that are linear and creamy. Wonderful length, focus and intensity. Racy and intense. Incredible structure. Sophisticated mountain wine. 98% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot and 1% malbec. Needs five to six years to come around.

With this vintage, the sixth release, Françoise Peschon is now consultant winemaker. She first met Henry and Vanessa Cornell in 2011 and officially joined them as winemaker in 2013, bringing on board Elizabeth Tangney in 2018 as the director of viticulture and winemaking. The abundant growing season in this western-facing pocket of the Mayacamas range atop Spring Mountain, delivered a deeply concentrated and structured 2018. Voluptuous blackberry fruit is layered with cassis, dark plum and cocoa, along with dried wild fennel and thyme. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide support through the long crushed-stone finish. 2021-2032