- 96 points -

...this is one of Napa's most spectacular cabernets. It's complex, balanced, full-bodied with dark fruit and smoke interplays. A finish that goes on forever.

- 96 points -

GOLD MEDAL

A sumptuous wine with abundant blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, spice and wonderful dried herbs. Ripe tannin and balanced spicy oak. Real potential to develop further.

- 94 points -

This is classic Napa Valley Cabernet, but “classic” in a traditional rather than modern mode, meaning a wine more in the style of the late 1980s than the present—back when complexity and class were valued more highly than ripeness and sheer power. Very expressive in aroma and flavor but not obvious or overbearing in any respect, the wine shows intriguing accents of graphite, toast, woodsmoke and spices that contribute to a complexity more closely associated with the Old World than Napa Valley. Extremely impressive. Michael Franz

- 93 points -

A strong and structured red with lots of dark fruits and chocolate. Full and silky with a solid core of fruit and dense tannins. Yet, it is not at all overdone. Energetic wine. Made from Biodynamic grapes. Best after 2014.

- 93 points -

Plenty of blackcurrants, flowers and sandalwood on the nose, following through to a full body with tight, creamy tannins that give the wine polish and beauty. Give it a year or two to soften, but already very attractive. From organically grown grapes.

- 92 points -

This Cabernet is blended with 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Fresh tones of brioche and currant meld with crushed rock, pencil and sweet tobacco. Youthful tannins offer a structured frame to this undeniably elegant wine.

- 92 points -

Fruity nose of ripe currants, stewed raspberries, blackberries, coffee and mint chocolate. Full-bodied, rich and ripe with firm tannins. Chewy. From organically grown grapes

- 92 points -

Lots of coffee and meat with dried-berry character. Full body with firm tannins and savory finish. Made from biodynamic grapes. Drink or hold.

- 91 points -

This shows some of the classic Grgich hallmarks with fresher fruit that runs in the red to black plum spectrum as well as fresh herbs and grass. Medium to full body, grainy tannins and a minerally, dynamic finish. From biodynamically-grown grapes. 

- 91 points -

A very assertive, powerful and alluringly fresh nose with lively boysenberry and blackberry aromas, leading to a palate that offers a succulent core of fresh, rich and deep-set fruit flavors. Superb depth and richness here. 

- 91 points -

Most of this wine comes from Yountville, with contributions from Rutherford and Calistoga as well. The freshness of Yountville is there in the front of the wine, fragrant, herbal and refined. Then there’s full ripeness that brings depth to the flavors and juicy tannins to the finish. Distinctly meaty, with an iron-like warmth...

- 90 points -

...Briary, woodsy and dusty spice overlays add extra interest to the medium-depth black cherry and cola notes that lie at the heart of this attractive young Cabernet. It is fairly full in body and is made bouyant by the balancing acidity that is so much a part of the winery’s style, and there is no surprise in the tightened backend to the wine’s personality. As with so many offerings from Grgich Hills, this one seems a sure bet to improve, and we would counsel a minimum of four to seven years of bottle age.

- 89 points -

Bright medium red-ruby. Tight aromas and flavors of dark berries and licorice complicated by tobacco, spicecake and flowers. Bright and juicy in the mouth, with a touch of sweetness counterpointed by sound acidity. Nicely avoids the greenness of the vintage and finishes with a fine dusting of tannins, good energy and moderate length.

- 88 points -

Well-balanced, if shaded toward drying tannins, this shows core flavors built around dried herb and berry, with touches of mocha and vanilla. Ends with a pleasant texture. Drink now through 2023.

92+ Points

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of bay leaves, mossy tree bark and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of crunchy black fruits, framed by ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of mineral sparks.

Platinum

Platinum awards will be reserved for wines nominated for Best of Show.