13 Best Bordeaux-Style Red Wines From Napa & Sonoma’s Outstanding 2018 – Robb Report

It would be a mistake to think that, in sun-drenched Northern California wine country, all vintages are created equal. Its true that California vineyards rarely struggle to ripen as those in Old World regions often do, but a late frost can threaten after bud break; a sudden August heat spike can send sugar levels surging; a fireenough said.

But then there was 2018. After several years of drought, generous rain set vineyards up with the moisture they needed. Cool, foggy mornings, warm afternoons and cold nighttime tempssans heat spikesheld through the summer into fall, giving winemakers the choice to let their fruit hang (without losing crucial acidity), to develop complexity. As it turns out, Mike Sullivan, winemaker and co-owner at Benovia Wineryknown for beautiful Pinot Noir and Chardonnaymade Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time under the brand in 2018 (one from Napa and one from Sonoma). It was a brilliant vintage debut. The Cabs, in his view, have exceptional color and structure, with ideal balance. Ripe tannins, bright acidity, hedonistic aromatics

In short, the best of the 2018 Bordeaux-style reds from Napa Valley and Sonoma County are stunningly beautiful. Theyve captured the holy grail of finesse and power together, pure fruit with classic tannin structure. These are the wines youll want to drink the day they land on your porch, but also hold in your cellar for years (good luck with that). Now is the time to order or join mailing lists, to make sure bottles head your way come September. Here are 13 you really shouldnt miss.

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13 Best Bordeaux-Style Red Wines From Napa & Sonoma's Outstanding 2018 - Robb Report