The 2018 vintage was one of great reprieve after 2017 and belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades. It was absent of challenges that plagued many of the previous years, ranging from drought, low yields and heatwaves. When compared to recent vintages, it is most synonymous with the highly acclaimed 2016. ‘There were a lot of synergies in both the growing season and the wines. They have a lot of the same energy, expression and life.

Steady, warm temperatures made for a cool, unhurried harvest, and our healthy leaf canopies, allowed the fruit to hang longer and ripen very slowly on the vine. Harvest wrapped the first week of November with our Cabernet Sauvignon in the Stags Leap District. The extended time on the vine and the temperate weather gave a fantastic concentration of ripe flavor and density to the grapes along with high acidity in the wines, resulting in a vintage with natural balance and finesse.

2018 Dolum Sonoma Mountain Cask #11 red is the first vintage release of the Cask #11 red. It’s a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with 91% sourced from Sonoma Mountain and 9% Oakville. It’s opulent, plush and extracted. Complex, yet held together with poise. Waves of succulent blackberry, blackcurrant, and rich black cherry cascade with a luxurious intensity, leaving an impression that is both bold and indulgent. Caramel notes add a delightful layer of sweetness and an unexpected touch of blueberries emerges, adding a delightful twist to the intricate symphony of tastes.