Cabernet Sauvignon, Accendo Cellars 2018

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Vine Hill Ranch and Sleeping Lady vineyards, the Cabernet Franc came from Diamond Mountain and the Petit Verdot is from the old Abreu Thorevilos vineyard (now called Ecotone). Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with classic cassis, warm plums and boysenberries scents plus nuances of violets, lavender, pencil lead and menthol with hints of crushed rock and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness with super intense black fruit and earthy layers, finishing long and mineral laced. 995 cases were made. 2023-2053

As a reminder to readers, Accendo Cellars is Bart and Daphne Araujo’s new project, following the incredible success and eventual sale of Araujo Estate, now known as Eisele Vineyard, in 2013. They decided to take inspiration from another era in Napa’s rich history—that of the mid-twentieth century, when blending wines from vineyards throughout the valley was the norm. The Araujos explained that Accendo Cellars is about getting back to “old style Napa.” They are aiming to achieve wines of restraint and elegance and have this year selected to work with several vineyards, including Sleeping Lady, Vine Hill Ranch and Ecotone (formerly known as Abreu's Thorevilos vineyard).