Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (75cl, 14.4%)

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Sequoia Grove Vineyards, bottled at 14.4% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2018 vintage is a Bordeaux-style blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Syrah, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, with fruit from Rutherford sites including Sequoia Grove and Tonella Estate vineyards. Grapes were hand-sorted, cold-soaked, fermented in small batches and matured for 20 months in 50% new French oak barrels. The nose opens with black cherry, blackberry, baking spices, dried blueberry and dark chocolate, with tobacco leaf, cedar and smoked meat emerging with time. The palate is rich and fruit-forward, with firm tannins, toasted vanilla and warm baking spice, and the finish is long and velvety with chocolate, cedar and dark currant.