Galerie, Pleinair, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2018

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, mainly coming from Stagecoach and Bosché vineyards, the 2018 Pleinair Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to reveal a compelling nose of fresh blackberries, warm cassis, dark chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries with nuances of pencil lead, scorched earth, and violets. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy texture and very refreshing backbone supporting the bags of crunchy black fruit, leading to a long, fragrant finish. 500 cases were made.