 
			
		2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Rector Creek Vineyard
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			Rector Creek Vineyard is located north of Yountville along the Silverado Trail. A unique climate featuring a cooling afternoon breeze combined with Rector Creek’s rocky alluvial soils creates excellent growing conditions for the vines. As a result, the Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard exhibits graceful violet and rose petal aromatic, fine-grained tannins and abundant dark fruit flavors of blackberry and black raspberry. 
		
	
					
					 Wine Spectator
				91
			Wine Profile
Production Notes
			Varietal Composition: 100% estate fruit - 97.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.2% Merlot
		Winemaker Notes
			As this wine unfurls, alluring aromas of blackberry, black currant, truffle and pencil shavings evolve to include nuances of cinnamon, cocoa, red currant and candied violet. On the palate, robust, age-worthy tannins frame the lush, concentrated layers of cassis, fig and toasted hazelnuts, with a touch of acidity and subtle notes of mint and minerality adding poise and depth to a long, graceful finish.
		Production
			For both red and white grapes, 2018 offered near picture-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather, and no significant heat events. The conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which show beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavors at low sugars. While our Chardonnay harvest began about three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger than average crop for our red Bordeaux varieties, with fully lignified seeds at low sugars levels. With temperate weather throughout fall, we were able to pick each block at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.
		Wine Specs
Wine Specs
			
			
			Vintage
				2018
			Varietal
				Cabernet Sauvignon
			Appellation
				Napa Valley
			Vineyard Designation
			Rector Creek Vineyard
		Acid
			0.60 g/100 ml
		pH
			3.76
		Aging
			Aged 18 months in 100% French oak  85% new, 15% neutral
		Alcohol %
			14.5
		Wine Spectator
				91
			