The 2018 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier is a notable wine from the Knights Valley appellation in Sonoma, California. This Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted predominantly from clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with a small addition of Cabernet Franc (6%). The wine is a deep purple-black in color and showcases the high-quality winemaking of Morlet Family Vineyards.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 95, highlighting its "gregarious scents of kirsch, black raspberries, cassis, and cedar chest, plus nuances of lavender, wild sage, and tilled soil." The review continues, describing the full-bodied palate as "packed with taut, muscular black fruit with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a lively herbal lift." Only 465 cases were produced, making it a relatively limited release.
Vinous gave this wine an even higher score of 97, calling it a "wine of true distinction and class." The reviewer praised its energy and delineation, noting flavors of "crushed rocks, graphite, rose petal, mint, and espresso," which complement the core of "inky red/purplish berry fruit." The review also noted the winemaking process, which involved two-thirds of the wine being fermented in steel and one-third in puncheon, contributing to its complexity and texture.
Jeb Dunnuck was particularly impressed, awarding the wine an outstanding score of 99. He described it as having "one foot in Napa and one foot in Sonoma," boasting a "slightly more reserved and stately" character. He mentioned the "building aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, toasted bread, dried violets, baking spices, and loamy earth." Dunnuck emphasized the wine's "flawless balance," ripe yet present tannins, and "notable sense of minerality," concluding that it can be enjoyed now or cellared for 20-30 years.
In summary, the 2018 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier is a distinguished wine that has received high praise from multiple reviewers. Its complex flavor profile, excellent balance, and potential for aging make it a standout choice for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.