The 2018 Passion is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot coming from vineyards in Oakville, St. Helena and Rutherford. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with a compelling perfume of Morello cherries, red and black currant jelly, preserved plums and rose oil, plus hints of cardamom, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate is rich and voluptuous, framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lots of layers and epic length. 296 cases were made.
JCB Passion Reviews
The 2018 Passion offers up tons of inky dark fruit. The tannins are a bit angular at this stage, so I would cellar the 2018 for at least a year or two. Everything is dialed up here, meaning the fruit, but also the tannins. Dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.
-- Antonio Galloni
Smoky black fruits, tobacco, and coffee bean notes emerge from the 2018 Passion Red Blend, another rich yet elegant wine from winemaker Stephanie Putnam. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness as well as the purity and freshness that are the hallmark of the vintage, it should evolve nicely for 2-4 years and keep for over a decade. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all aged in 35% new French oak.