

Crafted from the rugged elevations of Howell Mountain and blended with a touch of Malbec from Bennett Valley, the 2018 Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold yet remarkably approachable wine. With deep, dark fruit, subtle floral notes, and layers of oak and spice, it’s a beautifully structured wine that reflects both the power of its mountain origins and the finesse of careful winemaking. Silky tannins and a long, lingering finish make this vintage an exceptional expression of Napa Valley’s 2018 growing season.
Varietals
Appellation
Barrels and Aging
| ALC: 15.78% | pH: 3.72 | TA: 5.4 g/L |
Bottling
The fruit for the 2018 Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon was grown high atop Howell Mountain, at elevations above 1,400 feet in volcanic soils and a cooler microclimate. These conditions naturally limit yields while intensifying flavor and tannin structure. The addition of Malbec from the Nelson Estate in Bennett Valley brings plush fruit and a layer of complexity to this otherwise powerful mountain Cabernet.
The 2018 vintage was an ideal growing year in Napa Valley. Ample winter rains replenished the soils, leading to healthy vine development and generous crop size. A long, mild growing season allowed for full phenolic ripeness, giving winemaker Alison Green-Doran perfectly balanced fruit to work with. Her 40+ years of experience shine through in the elegance, depth, and harmony of this wine.
Appearance
Deep, rich violet with a garnet rim—striking and saturated in the glass.
Aromas
Opens with notes of cassis and caramel, unfolding into sweet blackberry, violet, and warm sandalwood spice.
Palate
Ripe and full-bodied, offering bold blackberry jam, chocolate-dusted cherries, and hints of dulce de leche and coconut macaroon. Mid-palate richness is lifted by the vibrant acidity and framed by contained, fine-grained tannins.
Finish
Long, smooth, and elegant—echoing dark fruit, cocoa, and cedar with lingering spice and structure.