2018 Branham Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (750ml)   

Sixty percent of the fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon comes the Obsidian Vineyard and the other 40% comes from the Taplin Vineyard in St. Helena. It is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot and was aged for 18 months in 25% new and 75% two year old French oak barrels.

Gary Branham has proven himself to be a very talented winemaker with a knack for making great wine from Napa Valley fruit at a very fair price. This is the fourth straight vintage of his Cabernet Sauvignon we've sold and the consistency he achieves with this wine is remarkable. (Granted he may have been helped by the string of great vintages in 2012, 2013 & 2014, 2015.) As with those previous years, this '16 offers fresh, nicely saturated dark red plum and blackberry flavors on a juicy, yet not too fruity palate of present yet integrated tannins. It ends with a light, appropriate grip on the finish and strikes a nice balance of friendly fruit and smooth texture with nice structure for potential ageing. A killer Cabernet at the ridiculous price of only $30 a bottle.