This inaugural 2018 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an expressively perfumed bouquet of exuberant dark-berry fruits, Black Forest cake, and crème de cassis, florals of violet and rose petal, and lifted baking spice notes from the well-integrated oak barrel character. On the palate, juicy, saturated black cherry and macerated red raspberry supported by darker hints of espresso, mocha, and bittersweet chocolate. The structured “Rutherford Dust” tannins are grippy and plush, with signature cocoa powder texture and expansive mouthfeel. Rich, with depth and balance, leading to a velvety-smooth and persistent finish.