2018 Kelly Fleming Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

"If I had to pick a wine that encapsulates the essence of Calistoga, it might very well be Kelly Fleming's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. The darkness, the depth, the brawn, the pure power, the intense savoriness. It's all there in a majestic, explosive Cabernet that dazzles from the very first taste. Readers will have to be patient with the 2018, as it is going to need a number of years to settle down. Time in the glass brings out hints of blackberry, plum, grilled herbs, scorched earth, leather, sweet pipe tobacco and sage. Inky and spectacularly rich, and yet not at all overdone, the 2018 simply has it all. It's another tour de force from winemaker Becky George and proprietor Kelly Fleming. Don't miss it."

-Antonio Galloni, 97 POINTS, Tasting date: December 2020

Vintage Notes

The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage is touted as one of the finest of the past two decades. Winemakers welcomed a slow and even growing season, free of many of the challenges of previous years. “February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.” – Napa Valley Vintners