With the 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other reds in market now, we thought it would be a good idea to share a reminder on what a tremendous vintage it was for Napa Valley.

With abundant February rains, followed by a lot of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late but under ideal weather conditions, creating a plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences and evenings—for which Napa Valley is known—virtually uninterrupted by any major heat spikes. This created a uniformity across vineyards allowing vintners to mark a slow, steady course in canopy management and other viticulture practices leading up to harvest.

Here’s what some of the critics had to say:
“The 2018 reds from Napa show fantastic finesse and brilliance for young wines from the valley with vivid and complex aromas and polished and flavorful palates.” – James Suckling

“Unquestionably, Napa has a beautiful vintage on its hands with 2018” – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades.” 
Matthew Luczy,
Decanter

“There are so many 2018s that are simply mind-blowing. It is very hard to go wrong with a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Antonio Galloni,
Vinous

“…many of the best (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2018s should be able to cellar beautifully for 40 to 50 years or more.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Wine Advocate
November 5, 2019