2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Inglenook, Rutherford, Napa Valley

The depth and power of this wine is striking from the first moment, and even now after two years in bottle it is fresh out of the gate, barely revving up its engines. Black cherry, fennel, slate, tocacco, cigar box, give it a few more years in bottle to fully smooth out, then enjoy this luscious example of Napa Cab. Winemaker Todd DeVincezi, consultant winemaker Philippe Bascaules, 43% new oak.

Starting with the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, this ruby/plum-hued effort displays attractive currants and savory black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco, savory herbs, leather, and earth. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's nicely textured, moderately concentrated, and balanced, with outstanding length. 10,608 cases.

This shows notes of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of licorice, cloves, walnuts and chocolate. It has full body and a velvety tannin structure. Juicy and vibrant fruit on the palate with a touch of earthiness. Smooth and delicious. Long, fruity finish. Very pure fruit. Try after 2024.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most potent wines I have tasted from Inglenook in a long time. Readers should be patient, as the 2019 is a mere infant. A rush of black cherry, mocha, licorice, spice and leather builds as this sumptuous, towering wine gradually opens with a bit of aeration. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in bottle, as the grippy tannins need time to soften.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vibrant notes of crushed black raspberries, black plums and blackcurrant pastilles, plus hints of underbrush and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied with intense, pure black fruit flavors, the fruit is well-framed by ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with a skip in its step.