2018 Galerie Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair
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Tasting notes
Made by Gianna Kelly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair comes from a handful of vineyards and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 65% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a rich, concentrated, nicely balanced 2018 with loads of ripe dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco aromatics, medium to full body, a solid spine of acidity, and just wonderful overall balance and purity, which is the hallmark of this great vintage. Building nicely with time in the glass, it shines for its balance, elegance, and purity more so than sheer power, and it’s already a joy to drink. Nevertheless, it should easily evolve for 15-20 years. This smoking value is well worth seeking out.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair offers a beguiling combination of inky dark fruit and more mineral, savory notes that add complexity. Inky blue/purplish fruit, gravel, sage, mint and lavender all develop with time in the glass. I would prefer to cellar the Pleinair for a year or two, but it is pretty tasty even in the early going just after bottling.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, mainly coming from Stagecoach and Bosché vineyards, the 2018 Pleinair Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to reveal a compelling nose of fresh blackberries, warm cassis, dark chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries with nuances of pencil lead, scorched earth, violets and tar. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy texture and very refreshing backbone supporting the bags of crunchy black fruit, leading to a long, fragrant finish. 500 cases were made.