92 points
James Suckling
2018 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hand-selected from premier vineyards in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and Rockpile in Sonoma County. This deeply-flavored wine features layers of fruit and a long, intense finish.
Vintage Notes
2018 was truly a winemakers’ vintage, and the quality of the resulting wines presents itself in bottle. Generous rainfall in February led to a late budbreak and extended flowering period. Beautiful and mild weather throughout spring and summer made for a healthy crop load. With no major heat spikes or weather events in the fall, winemakers were able to patiently wait to pick at optimal fruit ripeness.
Winemaking Notes
The 2018 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, full-bodied with great structure and plush, chocolatey tannins. The wine opens with lovely aromas of blackberry, licorice and toasted spice. On the palate, the dense and juicy mouthfeel features blackberry compote and rhubarb pie notes that carry through a strong finish lingering of oak spice.
“Lots of currants, vanilla and dark berries with walnuts and chocolate. It’s full-bodied, layered and flavorful. This is a rich cab and needs time to come together. Try after 2021.” – James Suckling
- Vintage
- 2018
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation
- Sonoma County
- Blend
- 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot
- Alcohol
- 14.5%