The 2018 Beau Vigne Guest Cottage Cabernet Sauvignon is an offering from the North Coast region of California, specifically Napa, known for its exceptional wine production. This wine, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a small addition of Petit Verdot (2%), exhibits the characteristics of a full-bodied red wine with a substantial alcohol content of 15.3%.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 93, describing it as a robust red with "blackberry, meat and spice, as well as toasted oak." He noted its "full-bodied and chewy" nature, highlighted by "polished tannins and a plush texture." Suckling’s review suggests that the wine is a little "old-school" but is well-framed by its tannins, recommending it be tried after 2023 to allow further development.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided an even more favorable review, scoring the wine at 95. The review describes the 2018 Guest Cottage as "deep garnet-purple in color" and initially "a little closed and broody." However, with some time, it opens to reveal complex notes including "tar, new leather and damp soil" over a core of "warm blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and boysenberries." The wine is characterized as "full-bodied, densely packed and muscular," supported by a "solid foundation of grainy tannins and a long, mineral-tinged finish."
This Cabernet Sauvignon is cork-sealed, maintaining traditional wine storage methods. The descriptions indicate a wine of substantial depth and complexity, with a potential for aging that will likely reveal further nuances over time. The accolades from respected critics underscore its quality, with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate particularly highlighting its impressive structure and finish.
For those seeking a robust, well-structured Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Beau Vigne Guest Cottage offers a compelling option, backed by strong professional endorsements and a promise of continued development with age.