ANTICA [Mountain Select] Napa Cabernet (2018)

Sweet-berry, bark and forest-floor aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with notes of blackberry, violet, cedar and spice. The palate is savory and juicy with round tannins. The finish is elegant, clean and showing length. Needs three to four years to come together. Try after 2023.

Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select sails out of the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed blueberries, black raspberries and ripe blackcurrants with hints of dried mint, violets, pencil lead and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with gorgeous energy, featuring and a lively backbone cutting through the tightly wound black fruit layers and grainy tannins, finishing with a minty lift.

Moving to the two reds, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select checks in s 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Revealing a deep ruby/purple color as well as a classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, green tobacco, cedarwood, and Asian spices, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This is a complex, satisfying, impeccably made Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years.

Dark and winey but with a solid racy edge, as graphite and iron notes guide the core of black currant and black cherry preserves along. Shows a subtle alder hint that curls around the finish, as the fruit shows a nice finishing kick.