Winemaker Ryan Knoth recently left this estate for a new gig at Joseph Phelps, and he certainly left a mark at Sinegal based on what I see in this full throttle Cabernet Sauvignon. Made in the ripe, new school Napa style, it’s quite nuanced for a wine of this boldness level. It is the sort of wine that announces itself at cork removal, its pent up aromatics bursting from the bottle neck and filling the room. Carefully chosen oak with a nice char level adds spice and toasty depth to the blackberry, cassis and olive fruit tones. It’s a joy already and will reward further cellaring.
Sinegal, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
By Rich Cook