This site in Oakville has been firing on all cylinders recently, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch (100% Cabernet From the rockiest section in the vineyard) is just another example of the incredible quality from the vineyard. Inky purple, its stunning bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shaving, tobacco, and gravelly earth notes give way to a full-bodied, structured wine that reminds me a great vintage of Smith Haut Lafitte with its incredible earthy minerality as well as finesse and elegance.

Amazing aromas of blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, meat and black tea leaves. Medium to full body and compact, polished tannins. Creamy, velvety-textured palate that is long and persistent. Precise wine. Shows great potential for the future.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch comes from Block 7, which has 20-year-old vines and a gravelly soil type. It spent about three weeks on the skins during and after fermentation and was matured in small French oak barrels for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with opulent scents of kirsch, black raspberries, black currant cordial and Black Forest cake with hints of dried mint, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the wine completely coats the mouth with red and black fruit preserves layers, supported by firm grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a lively lift. (LPB) 95+