2018 L'Aventure Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve | MG

The first vintage since 2013 where Stephan released a straight Cabernet, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve includes a splash of Petit Verdot and spent 14 months in new French oak. It's a beautiful wine in every sense and shows classic Paso Robles limestone character. (It actually reminds me of a great recent vintage of Pavie.) Lots of crème de cassis, crushed stone, lead pencil, and a touch of green tobacco all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a pure, concentrated, focused texture, building tannins, and a magical finish. It's going to take a decade to hit maturity, but it's a brilliant wine in every way.