2018 BV Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Rutherford

JS 96

JD 94

^S$135⁹⁷
S$168⁹⁷

Vintage: 2018

Country: USA

Region: Rutherford

Winemaker Notes

This inaugural 2018 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an expressively perfumed bouquet of exuberant dark-berry fruits, Black Forest cake, and crème de cassis, florals of violet and rose petal, and lifted baking spice notes from the well-integrated oak barrel character. On the palate, juicy, saturated black cherry and macerated red raspberry supported by darker hints of espresso, mocha, and bittersweet chocolate. The structured “Rutherford Dust” tannins are grippy and plush, with signature cocoa powder texture and expansive mouthfeel. Rich, with depth and balance, leading to a velvety-smooth and persistent finish.

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot

About Winery

For more than 100 years, Beaulieu Vineyard has been setting the standard for rich, classic Napa Valley wines. Our legacy honors the marriage between state-of-the-art technology and gentle, traditional winemaking methods, a combination that enhances the expression of our remarkable vineyard terroir. From Calistoga in the north, to Carneros in the south, our Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley wines reflect this region's diverse terroir with classic varietal character.

Quantity

Expert Review

96 points James Suckling

Outer quote mark This is so aromatic with redcurrants, flowers and crushed stones. Some bark and rose stem, too. Full-bodied, yet so refined and textured with a lovely finish of fruit and hints of berry and light chocolate. So delicious now, but will develop nicely in the bottle. Inner quote mark (6/2021)

94 points Jeb Dunnuck

Outer quote mark The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve is a deeper, richer wine with impressive chocolatey blackcurrant fruits as well as lots of tobacco, damp earth, camphor, and new leather-like aromas and flavors. It’s beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a great finish. I’d be thrilled to drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years or more. Inner quote mark (1/2021)

94 points Vinous

Outer quote mark The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve is compelling. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice and spice are some of the many aromas and flavors that open in the glass. Rich and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 hits all the right notes. The Rutherford Reserve is sourced mostly from BV #1 and BV #2. Bright acids perk up the finish. Think of the Rutherford Reserve as a baby Georges de Latour that can be enjoyed pretty much on release. (AG) Inner quote mark (1/2021)