Lail Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 From esteemed winemaker Philippe Melka, Lail’s “Blueprint” Cabernet Sauvignon (with 5 percent Petit Verdot) offers swirling aromas rising from the glass that recall blackberry, black cherry, red plum, and cassis.  The wine is elegant with notes of black cherry and plum, dark chocolate, and espresso with big but not drying tannins on the palate.  The incredible fruit sourced for this beauty comes from vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena.  Ready to drink now, but it will age extremely well for another decade.