The Beauty of Cabernet

The 2018 vintage in Napa sets a new bar

Bottles of California Cabernet Sauvignons against a pink backdrop
The 2018 vintage has overtaken 2016 as the leader for Napa Valley Cabernets, with rich, dark and detailed wines that clearly transmit their terroirs. (Aubrie Pick)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley has built a “can’t miss” reputation. This is true across California, but especially so in Napa, where there are rarely difficult vintages and the grape has become the region’s unquestioned lead player. Even among a string of excellent harvests, 2016 alone stood out from the pack—until 2018 arrived, nudging it aside and earning the top spot on the podium. Get Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth full report on California Cabernet, including top-scoring wines and smart buys.

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