Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard 2018

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard dazzles from start to finish. Silky, plush tannins wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit as this opulent, full-throttle Cabernet opens in the glass. The Panek is a very typical Cabernet for this northern sector of St. Helena where the wines are plush and racy. All the elements come together so effortlessly. Bright acids and sweet floral overtones lift the finish. Best of all, the 2018 will be ready to deliver maximum pleasure pretty much upon release. This is the first year in which Rivers-Marie had access to all the fruit. I suspect being able to choose the best blocks explains much of the elevated quality here. In a word: stunning.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color, offering expressive notes of fresh, ripe red and black currants, juicy plums and Black Forest cake with hints of tilled soil, underbrush, black olives and tar plus a waft of bay leaves. The palate is medium to full-bodied and built like a brick house, featuring very firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with long-lingering earthy/savory nuances. 550 cases were made.