2018 Staglin Family Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

I was able to taste two wines from Staglin Family, both showing brilliantly. An utterly ultra-classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Staglin sports a deep ruby/plum color to go with a gorgeous bouquet of ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruits as well as spicy oak, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and lead pencil shavings. Full-bodied, perfectly balanced, rich, and opulent, yet also pure and precise, this might be the finest vintage of this cuvée ever produced. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and has 40-50 years of longevity ahead of it.

Staglin's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate favors energy and tension over volume, at least at this point in its life. Bright, aromatic and sumptuous, the 2018 is fabulous right out of the gate. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, cedar and menthol race across the palate. The 2018 is bright and focused from start to finish, with impeccable balance, well-judged oak and tons of sheer appeal. It is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. Winemaker Fredrik Johansson captured the magic of the 2018 vintage and put it all into the bottle. I can't wait to see how this ages.