... wafting out of the glass with the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and spice cake, followed by notes of potpourri, oolong tea and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied, decadently fruited palate delivers loads of savory accents among the juicy black and red fruit layers, supported by velvety tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown
This appellation excelled in 2018, and I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Diamond Mountain. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in just under 50% new oak, it offers loads of red and black currant fruit as well as complex baking spice, chocolate, dried herbs, and earthy aromas and flavors. Rich but not heavy, balanced, and beautifully textured, it’s one of the top wines at the under-$100 price point.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Rutherford is another gem that has the charming, already approachable style that’s common from wines from Raymond, yet it also shines for its balance, mid-palate depth, and length on the finish. Lots of textbook Cabernet tobacco, earth, cassis, and spice notes emerge from the glass, and it’s another head-turning wine in the lineup that can be drunk today yet also cellared for 15 years or more.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Yountville comes from a single vineyard off State Lane and was brought up in 38% new French oak. Pretty, floral notes of sappy herbs, spring flowers, iron, chocolate, and more red fruits define the bouquet, and it’s beautifully concentrated and seamless on the palate. It’s another winner.
All the District Collection series are around 500 cases or less, and they give an incredible insight into the different appellations in the valley. Starting with the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Stags Leap, it has perfumed red and black fruits and tobacco notes to go with full-bodied richness and a seamless, layered texture on the palate. Stags Leap is a cooler region, and you see that in the aromatics, but this brings serious fruit on the palate without losing its sense of finesse. It’s beautifully done and will evolve for 15-20 years.