2018 “Hikari No Hana” - Kanpai Wines

Fresh black currant, pencil shavings, tart dark cherry. Black raspberry preserves, mint leaf, chocolate covered açaí. An astoundingly pretty and elegant display brimming with wild blackberry, Damson plum, and crème de cassis radiates with outstanding purity and restraint while notes of menthol, tobacco, and oolong tea gracefully provide a range of gorgeously clean herbal undercurrents. Wafts of cherry blossom, young violet, and iris delicately impart compellingly dainty floral overtones bolstered in decadence by subtle suggestions of graham cracker, espresso, and shaved dark chocolate. Hints of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla gently contribute perfectly-integrated barrel spices that do not detract from faint impressions of graphite and mild earthiness. Immensely poised, classic, and well balanced on the palate with incredible finesse, nuance, and depth; exhibiting a complex, bright, and delicately powerful presentation that pairs great freshness and vibrancy with seductive satin-like textural charms. Medium bodied with elevated yet unintimidating tannin supported by generous acidity. This 2018 "Hikari No Hana" by Kanpai Wines is a remarkably serious and captivating red from Napa Valley.

While Cabernet Sauvignon is the undisputed king of single-varietal wine in Napa Valley, proprietary red blends are rapidly gaining in popularity thanks to their ability to create complex and powerful wines that often combine Cabernet Sauvignon with various other blending components. This bottling, crafted by Kanpai Wines using an undisclosed blend of Cab Sauv/Cab Franc/Merlot sourced from within Napa Valley, showcases how eschewing the trend of big-name varietal labeling can still result in absolutely incredible wine. This elegantly emits a rich yet lithe dark-fruited core beautifully complicated by minty herbal notes, pretty florals, pristine baking spices, and a lightly chocolaty sheen. Although absolutely delicious today this wine boasts the balance, structure, and styling to age gracefully for decades, and will easily impress those who value complexity and restraint in their wine. Outstanding.