Forman Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet from legendary vintner Ric Forman, whose minimalist philosophy and unwavering commitment to classical winemaking have earned Forman a cult following among collectors. Sourced from the estate's rugged hillside vineyard overlooking St. Helena, the outstanding 2018 vintage combines exceptional concentration with remarkable elegance and balance. The wine opens with captivating aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, cassis, black cherry, violet, cedar, graphite, and cigar box, layered with notes of dark chocolate, baking spices, and crushed rock. On the palate, it is powerful yet impeccably refined, with beautifully integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a seamless core of dark fruit framed by mineral complexity and impeccably judged French oak. The finish is long, poised, and remarkably persistent, promising decades of graceful evolution in the cellar. Crafted in a restrained, Old World-inspired style that emphasizes finesse over sheer power, Forman Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of Napa Valley's enduring classics and a compelling expression of both site and vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck 94+