The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Alluvial Selection is terrific. A ripe, full-bodied, yet seamless profile as well as loads of classic Cabernet cassis and blue fruits, notes of spice and cedar notes, and silky tannins all define this beauty. Made in a pure, elegant, yet soft and fleshy style, it's already drinking nicely, and I see no need to delay gratification, although It certainly has 10-15 years of longevity ahead of it.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Alluvial Selection Estate emerges from parcels closer to the Silverado Trail, where the soils become rockier and naturally yield small berries with thick skins. A dark, potent wine, the Alluvial Selection Estate is a brooding Cabernet. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate, leather, cloves and scorched earth add to an impression of brooding power and gravitas. The 2018 finishes with tremendous substance and pure, raw power. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 softens over time. Today, the tannins are bruising.