From a range of sites and expertly blended by Philippe Melka and his team, this wine has 5% Petit Verdot and spent 18 months in French oak, half of it new. Black olive, pencil shaving, sage and cedar provide a savory context against which concentrated black cherry and plum play. Coffee makes an appearance on the finish. Enjoy 2028–2035. VIRGINIE BOONE

As with the whites, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint is a larger production release that sports a dense purple color as well as classic Cabernet notes of blue and black fruits, green tobacco, graphite, and spring flowers. With a more fruit-forward style, it's still rich, medium to full-bodied, has classy tannins, and is a seriously good bottle of wine.

Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueprint was aged 18 months in French oak (50% new). Deep garnet-purple in color, it delivers intense, wonderfully pure notes of crushed black currants, blackberries and black raspberries with suggestions of candied violets, charcoal and tobacco leaf with a waft of bay leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with crunchy black berry flavors, supported by approachable, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and fruity. 3,215 cases were made.- LPB