2018 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Displaying a deep ruby core and purple highlights at the rim, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with fresh, ripe and juicy fruit tones of Chambord, crème de cassis and plum reduction before offering elements of lavender and violet in the glass. Full-bodied and juicy, the palate is generous, showing dusty tannins that will take some time to subside. It ends with persistent flavors of crème de violette, stewed blackberries and clove. The wine rested for about two years in two-thirds new French oak barrels before being bottled. Almost 37,000 bottles were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Aromas of blackcurrants, dried violets, walnuts and sweet tobacco. Itâs medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins. Firm and structured with fresh acidity and a gently leafy undertone. Try from 2023.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% each of Malbec and Merlot) comes from a handful of sites in the Walla Walla Valley and spent 23 months in 67% new French oak. Classic, old-school notes of blackcurrants, leafy tobacco, earth, saddle leather, and spicy herbs gives way to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with notable balance, a great mid-palate, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. This pure, clean, classic Cabernet will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for 20 years or more. It's beautifully done. Owned by NFL star Drew Bledsoe, these wines are made by Josh McDaniel, who was previously at Figgins Family before moving into the head winemaking role at Doubleback. This small family-run operation has four estate vineyards, all in Walla Walla, and they produce gorgeous, complex, classically styled Bordeaux blends.
Saturated bright ruby to the rim. Inky, medicinal aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, menthol and minerals. Suave, fine-grained and intense on entry, then tight and dark in the middle palate, with blackberry, cassis, boysenberry, tropical bitter chocolate, licorice and spice flavors conveying a very primary character. Even today this firmly structured, rather brooding wine shows suave tannins and a modicum of pliancy but there's much to be gained by holding it for four or five years. Perhaps a little less savory than the 2017 and equally bound-up. Substantial dusty tannins are a bit dried in the early going by the wine's peppery herbal element. Lay this one down.