2018 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder

Lastly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hilltop is a darker, more structured wine that s going to need to be hidden in the back of the cellar. Darker currants, dark chocolate, graphite, lead pencil, and chalky minerality all define the slightly closed, reductive bouquet, which has terrific purity and vibrancy. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe yet substantial, building tannins, lots of minerality, and outstanding length. This will be a 30 to 40-year wine, but it needs at least 7-8 years in the cellar to arrive at a semblance of maturity.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is floral and perfumed, with delicate hints of mint and sage entwined around redcurrants and cherries. It's medium-bodied but concentrated, with a ripe, velvety texture and a firm, astringent finish. Give it a few years to mellow before pulling a cork.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a pretty rich, bombastic wine, especially for Mayacamas. A blast of dark fruit, incense, tobacco, licorice, spice and mocha hits the palate. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle to settle down, as it is quite the powerhouse today. This is an unusually flamboyant wine with plenty of richness and a bit less in the way of subtlety. The opulence of the vintage comes through loud and clear. (AG)