Description

BV Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

90 pts – The Wine Advocate

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps with youthful notes of fresh blackberries and black raspberries, plus plum preserves, tobacco leaf and spice cake. The palate is medium to full-bodied, soft and juicy, with a spicy kick to the finish.” — LPB

For more than 100 years, Beaulieu Vineyard has been setting the standard for rich, classic Napa Valley wines. Our legacy honors the marriage between state-of-the-art technology and gentle, traditional winemaking methods, a combination that enhances the expression of our remarkable vineyard terroir. From Calistoga in the north to Carneros in the south, our Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley wines reflect this region’s diverse terroir with classic varietal character.

TA ST I NG N O T E S

This inaugural 2018 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an expressively perfumed bouquet of exuberant dark-berry fruits, Black Forest cake, and crème de cassis, florals of violet and rose petal, and lifted baking spice notes from the well-integrated oak barrel character. On the palate, juicy, saturated black cherry and macerated red raspberry supported by darker hints of espresso, mocha, and bittersweet chocolate. The structured “Rutherford Dust” tannins are grippy and plush, with signature cocoa powder texture and expansive mouthfeel. Rich, with depth and balance, leading to a velvety-smooth and persistent finish.

V I N E YA RDS

We sourced this Cabernet from our historic vineyard blocks in the heart of Rutherford, from BV Ranches No. 1, No. 2, and No. 10. These select vineyard blocks provide saturated dark-berry fruit characteristics and firm, concentrated structure. They are located on the western Rutherford Bench, where alluvial fan soils allow the vines to root deeply, developing complexity, minerality, and layered notes.

V I N TA G E

The Napa Valley region enjoyed a stunning, near picture-perfect 2018 growing season including good winter rains, mild spring weather, and steady temperatures throughout that allowed for even flowering and bud break. These ideal growing conditions were followed by a cool, even, and slow-paced harvest which allowed the winery to vinify wines at a gentle pace. The resulting 2018 Cabernets are of very high quality with plenty of concentrated flavors, color, and excellent acidity.

W I N E M A K IN G

The grapes were destemmed and cold soaked for seven days to develop an elegant fruit expression and release the “cocoa-powder tannins” known as Rutherford Dust. During the eight- to twelve-day fermentation, we pumped over the cap to incorporate the flavor- rich skins into the juice. We chose more than 80% new French oak for barrel aging and added a splash of Malbec and Petit Verdot to enhance the complex flavor profile.

VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot

ANALYSIS:  Alcohol 14.7%; Total Acidity 6.3 g/L; 3.74 pH