Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2018 – 750ml Southern Wine & Spirits

95pts James Suckling

This is aromatic with fresh herbs, such as basil and sweet tobacco. Medium to full body with lead-pencil character, creamy tannins and a long, bright finish. Dusty at the end with some mahogany. Fine, polished furniture-like undertone to this. Drink or hold

94pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Blended from portions of Sycamore, Bosché and another vineyard, Freemark Abbey’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford features scents of cassis, plum and hints of dark chocolate on the nose. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, matured in 55% new French oak, it’s full-bodied, dusty and firmly built. There’s even more structure here than in the Oakville bottling, yet the wine remains elegant on the lengthy finish.

93pts Vinous

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is vibrant and super-expressive right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, plum, chocolate licorice and spice are pushed forward. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc add dimension, especially in the aromatics. This energetic Cabernet has so much to offer. Best after 2024.

92pts Decanter

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (83%) sourced from Sycamore, Bosché and Red Barn Ranch. The latter vineyard sits across the street from Caymus and was, at one time, owned by John Bryan, one of the former partners of Freemark Abbey. Classic Rutherford dust seems to coat the red and black fruit aromas. It is a muscular red boasting firm, grippy tannins along with tight red fruit that has an almost blood orange tang on the finish.

91pts Jeb Dunnuck

Another small production cuvée (2,000 cases), the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford comes from a handful of sites in Rutherford and offers more medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of red and black currants, tobacco, sandalwood, and cedar. It has some firmer, chewy tannins, so give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar. It will drink well for a decade. Best After 2023.

Winemaker Notes

Sourced from Bosché, Sycamore, and Red Barn Ranch, this wine displays all the classic notes of the Rutherford AVA. It is deep garnet in color and opens with aromas of brambly black fruits, cedar shavings, milk chocolate, graphite and forest floor. The palate is complex and richly textured with flavors of blackberry, coffee, cigar box, and cassis. The tannins are dusty yet well rounded and integrated making this wine lovely now with the ability to age gracefully for decades. This wine will give a Cabernet lover goosebumps!

Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc