Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Ripe and welcoming, with waves of red currant preserves and plum sauce rolling through, wrapped with red licorice and infused with a fruitcake note on the finish. Features a lightly toasty frame that lets the fruit hold center stage. Drink now through 2026. -JM

Having spent 19 months in 37% French oak, this Raymond reserve includes grapes harvested from Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena and delivers a potent glassful of voluptuous spice-dusted blackberry fruit, a hint of caramel and cocoa nibs. 

Brawny, fleshy and full bodied, as well as blended with 3% Petit Verdot, this red sizzles in black cherry, cassis and brown sugar. Integrated tannins contribute support and additional power, as a length of toasted oak weighs in. -Virginie Boone

Ripe and welcoming, with waves of red currant preserves and plum sauce rolling through, wrapped with red licorice and infused with a fruitcake note on the finish. Features a lightly toasty frame that lets the fruit hold center stage. Drink now through 2026. -JM

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve is composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, coming from more than 20 different sites, with 29% coming from estate vineyards in St. Helena and Rutherford. It was aged in French oak barrels, 37% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rocks up with ready-for-business scents of blackcurrant pastilles, redcurrant jelly and Morello cherries with hints of dried Provence herbs, pencil shavings and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and savory. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Another outstanding wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve comes from over 20 different sites and was brought up in 37% new French oak. Redcurrants, leafy tobacco, and spice notes define the bouquet, and it’s lush, fruit-loaded, and ready to go. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 7-8 years or so. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve longer.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection lifts out of the glass with tons of sheer intensity. Inky dark red cherry, mocha, cedar, spice and licorice are pushed front and center. This mid-weight, supple Cabernet has so much to offer. It’s a terrific introduction to the Raymond range.

-- Antonio Galloni