Sullivan Rutherford Estate, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 Sullivan Rutherford Estate has included a splash of Merlot (20 percent) and a seasoning of Petit Verdot (2 percent) in this refined Cabernet Sauvignon bottling.  It delivers appealing complexity — a bit of everything and not too much of anything.  Red and black fruit elements, earthy and spicy ones, all come together seamlessly.  It has requisite structure, but the tannins are suave, not astringent, which means you can pop the cork and enjoy it now.  Good acidity keeps it fresh and balanced.