O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, 2018

Overview of the Wine
O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery sits at 1,800 feet on the heralded Howell Mountain appellation in the beautiful Napa Valley. Founded in 1996, the estate encompasses one hundred and twenty acres. Winemaker Sean Capiaux has overseen the planting of the vineyard and selected numerous clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and all seven of the historic Bordeaux varietals for this unique property.

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery uses modern equipment to produce non-interventionist wines that are naturally fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered. These techniques allow the varietal character and terroir of O’Shaughnessy Estate vineyards to be the stars of the show.

Grape / Blend
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Saint Macaire

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes 
This is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with an opaque purple color and perfumed aromas of blackberry compote, orange blossom, cassis, creme brulee, and cocoa. On the palate the wine is plush and concentrated with well-integrated tannins and a vibrant finish. Lush enough to be consumed now and structured enough to hold for decades thanks to the mountain heritage of this beautiful wine. 

93 Points - James Suckling
This has aromas of dried blueberries, currants, chocolate, sandalwood and black tea. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Rich in flavor with a saline edge on the finish. Try from 2022.

93 Points - Vinous
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a fabulous wine that overdelivers big time. Inky dark fruit, graphite, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice give the 2018 its distinctly savory, soil-driven personality. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral overtones. The tannins need time to soften, but there is a lot to look forward to. This is a very serious, polished wine. O'Shaughnessy's Napa Valley Cabernet remains one of the hidden jewels in Napa Valley.

92 Points - Decanter
A decadent, dark and sweet nose of blackberry syrup, charred pine needles and cocoa. A wonderfully plush, concentrated and clear palate, swinging into a high-toned, very dry, sturdy but vibrant finish. Lush enough to be consumed now, but structured enough to hold for the next decade or so. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Saint Macaire.

Product size: 750ml