Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 'Sycamore Vineyard' 2018

Introduction

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 'Sycamore Vineyard' is a red wine from the United States. It is produced in the Napa Valley subregion of California, specifically from the Rutherford appellation. Sycamore Vineyard is located on the southern end of the Rutherford Bench, with its proximity to the Mayacamas mountains helping to provide the perfect climate for growing a rich, textured Cabernet Sauvignon. Freemark Abbey is considered a 'historic, classic, pedigreed producer' in Napa Valley, and was one of the earliest wineries in the region to offer tastings to visitors, dating back to 1949. The winery's enduring philosophy centres on quality, balanced, vineyard-driven wines.

Wine Description

The wine is deep garnet in colour. The aromatic profile includes black currant, pomegranate, baking spice, forest floor, and espresso. Further notes include gorgeous aromas of blackberries and fresh herbs, such as lavender, sage, and bay leaf. The wine is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. It matured in 65% new French oak.

On the palate, it is rich and expansive, loaded with succulent red cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, licorice, and dried herbs. It is full-bodied, with rich and textured flavours of black cherry, dark chocolate, leather, and warm oak spices. The structure is sturdy and firm, with strong, bold, yet integrated tannins. Stylistically, it is large-scaled, complex, and full-bodied. It has a polished feel overall, with a juicy, mouthwatering, long, and minerally finish that contains hints of dark chocolate, espresso, and a dusty, chalky texture. The ABV is $14.20\%$. The wine is built to age effortlessly for 20 years or more. It is recommended for drinking now through 2032 or 2035.

Accolades

• Vinous - 95 points

• Wine Advocate - 95 points

• Decanter - 95 points

• James Suckling - 94 points

• Wine Spectator - 92 points

• Wine Enthusiast - 92 points

Food Pairing

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a 'classic T-bone steak wine'. It is well-paired with fine meats like beef, lamb, and game.

Vintage Quality

The 2018 harvest in California was a welcome relief after the 2017 wildfires, with an extremely good growing season for much of the region. The season was calm, with a cooler-than-normal spring. For the Sycamore Vineyard, which is more gravelly and receives more afternoon shade, the harvest took place approximately two weeks later than other sites. This later harvest and the cool, calm season helped to produce a solid vintage.