This is aromatic with fresh herbs, such as basil and sweet tobacco. Medium to full body with lead-pencil character, creamy tannins and a long, bright finish. Dusty at the end with some mahogany. Fine, polished furniture-like undertone to this. Drink or hold.
95 points, James Suckling (Apr 2022)
Blended from portions of Sycamore, Bosché and another vineyard, Freemark Abbey's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford features scents of cassis, plum and hints of dark chocolate on the nose. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, matured in 55% new French oak, it's full-bodied, dusty and firmly built. There's even more structure here than in the Oakville bottling, yet the wine remains elegant on the lengthy finish.
94 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (May 2022)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is vibrant and super-expressive right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, plum, chocolate licorice and spice are pushed forward. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc add dimension, especially in the aromatics. This energetic Cabernet has so much to offer.
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2022)
The 2018 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, soon unfurling to offer notes of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, and mulberries, with an undercurrent of dusty soil, fallen leaves, iron ore, and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is soft and juicy, with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with beautiful harmony. 1,400 cases were made.
93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Jun 2022)