Plumpjack Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018 is a wine crafted with utmost patience and care by the renowned winemaker Aaron Miller at Plumpjack Winery. This vintage was marked by a cooler spring, resulting in a slower growth and delayed ripening of the grapes. However, this extended hang time allowed the flavors to develop at a leisurely pace, ultimately yielding exceptional results. The harvest was the latest in the winery’s history, with the final grapes being brought in on November 6th.

In the fermentation and élevage process, the Estate grapes underwent a cold soak before being fermented at a maximum temperature of 94 degrees. Following a maceration period of 7 to 12 days, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. A blend of 78% new French oak barrels from esteemed coopers such as Sylvain, Taransaud, Cavin, and Nadalie was used, adding complexity and aromatic layers to the wine. After aging for 20 months, the Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018 was ready to be enjoyed.

The cooler vintage is reflected in the wine, allowing the red fruit characteristics to shine. The nose reveals enticing aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, rose petal, anise, with hints of blueberry and blackberry in the background. The barrels contribute additional layers of vanilla, toffee, nutmeg, cardamom, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is silky upon entry, with a mouth-filling mid-palate and bold yet velvety tannins throughout. The finish is remarkably long, leaving a lasting impression of baker’s chocolate and espresso.

This exceptional wine has received critical acclaim, with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarding it an impressive 99 points. The review describes the wine’s deep garnet-purple color and praises its concentrated black fruit layers, floral nuances, and seamless freshness. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 98 points, emphasizing the pure cassis flavors, balanced structure, and the wine’s potential to age gracefully for three decades. Wine Spectator recognized the warm plum, blackberry, and fig flavors, and Vinous hailed it as superb, highlighting its sumptuousness, boldness, and vibrant energy.

Plumpjack Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018, with its exceptional qualities and critical acclaim, is a testament to the winemaking expertise of Aaron Miller and the dedication of Plumpjack Winery to producing outstanding wines.