2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage is touted as one of the finest of the past two decades. Winemakers welcomed a slow and even growing season, free of many of the challenges of previous years. “February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.” – Napa Valley Vintners
"If I had to pick a wine that encapsulates the essence of Calistoga, it might very well be Kelly Fleming's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. The darkness, the depth, the brawn, the pure power, the intense savoriness. It's all there in a majestic, explosive Cabernet that dazzles from the very first taste. Readers will have to be patient with the 2018, as it is going to need a number of years to settle down. Time in the glass brings out hints of blackberry, plum, grilled herbs, scorched earth, leather, sweet pipe tobacco and sage. Inky and spectacularly rich, and yet not at all overdone, the 2018 simply has it all. It's another tour de force from winemaker Becky George and proprietor Kelly Fleming. Don't miss it."
-Antonio Galloni, 97 POINTS, Tasting date: December 2020
Aromatically intriguing, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich blend of vibrant cherry and cranberry fruit notes, harmoniously interplayed with undertones of tobacco, sage and cedar. The palate is smooth and broad, with a beautiful tension built into the core of this wine: fine-grained tannins provide structure and ageability when layered on top of ripe black cherry, orange spice, and lush dark chocolate flavors. The finish illustrates the tried and true characters of this vineyard – dark cherry fruit and savory spice laced with velvety tannins and lively minerality.
Press:
Antonio Galloni, VINOUS, 97 points
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Grape Source: Kelly Fleming Estate Vineyard
Appellation: Calistoga
Winemaker: Rebecca George
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15.1%
Élevage: 77% new French oak, 23% neutral French oak
Aging: 20 months
Cases: 1,072
Bottled: June 2020
Library Wines:
2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon