Crushed blackberry, roasted bell pepper, extra dark chocolate. Pulverized blueberry, black walnut, plum skin. Ripe black currant, muddled cherry, and coffee grounds erupt in a remarkably intense and powerful attack further augmented by pronounced notes of licorice, tobacco, and iodine. Trampled rose and crushed violet emerge to contribute compelling floral overtones that wrestle with complex impressions of new cedar, mint leaf, and eucalyptus. Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, clove, and dill compose a medley of still-integrating barrel spices that have not managed to tame the brawny and rambunctious fruit. Young, tight, and incredibly angsty; showcasing excellent typicity and immense muscle revealed through aggressive youthful austerity. Full bodied with robust gripping tannin and high acidity. This 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon by Bartholomew Estate Winery is a fierce, serious, and age-worthy red from the Sonoma Valley.

Located in the southeastern corner of Sonoma County directly surrounding the historic town of Sonoma, the Somona Valley is a unique winegrowing appellation that was once home to some of California's earliest commercial viticulture. This bottling, crafted by Bartholomew Estate Winery using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard in Sonoma Valley, proves that this history-steeped region is still producing absolutely exceptional wine today. Although it is still extremely young, tight, and awkward at this stage of its evolution this wine ruthlessly bursts with immensely dense and inky fruit. It has a particular ferocity to it that hints at incredible potential with significant bottle age, but if consumed now this would be best enjoyed with a very long decant. This is truly a raw beauty brimming with energy and power that deserves time to spread its wings.