2018 AXR Cabernet Sauvignon V Madrone Vineyard

Lots of ripe blackcurrants, tobacco, gravelly earth, and violet notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon V Madrone Vineyard, a rich, tannic, medium to full-bodied Cabernet that needs a solid 4-5 years or more of bottle age. I like its balance, and it has wonderful purity of fruit as well as a great finish, but there are a lot of tannins here.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon V Madrone Vineyard sports a deep garnet-purple color and seductive scents of plum preserves, blueberry compote, chocolate-covered cherries and blackcurrant pastilles with touches of dried lavender, dusty soil, oolong tea and cumin seed plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with expressive black fruit preserves layers, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and earthy.