2018 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet
Grape
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot
Its Origins
The genesis of Freemark Abbey dates back to 1881 when Josephine and John Tychson purchased 147 acres in the Napa Valley. Five years later, after John’s death, Josephine built her original redwood winery on our current site in St. Helena. In addition to her legacy of innovation and hard work, Josephine earned a place in the history books as the first female vintner in California. Eight decades later, Freemark Abbey helped launch the modern era of California wine. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the winery’s Bosché Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was considered one of America’s most iconic bottlings. Its Chardonnay proved that California could produce stunning world-class wines from this noble variety. Freemark Abbey was one of 12 American wineries chosen to compete in the historic Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. It was the only producer with entries in both the Cabernet and Chardonnay flights. Ted Edwards has been Freemark Abbey’s winemaker since 1985. His intelligent approach combined with the sheer length of his experience in the Napa Valley – the Rutherford Bench in particular – makes him one of the region’s leading vintners. Today, thanks to Ted’s efforts, Freemark Abbey’s Bosché and Sycamore Vineyard bottlings are among the most coveted wines in the Napa Valley.
What The Critics Say
95+/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwinski
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyards comes from a site (across from Staglin on Bella Oaks) that is still owned by one of the winery's original partners. Delicate California garrigue notes of mountain scrub and bay leaf frame dark cassis fruit, joined by vibrant raspberries as well. Matured in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, complex and sturdy blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot finishes dusty and tannic, yet it also has a juicy and mouthwatering finish, with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. In contrast to Bosché, this vineyard is more gravelly, producing smaller berries with more tannin. It receives more afternoon shade, so it's picked approximately two weeks later as well." Drink 2025 - 2040
95/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard is rich and expansive from start to finish. Succulent red cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, licorice and dried herbs flesh out in an ample, large-scaled Cabernet loaded with class and personality. There's a lot of wine here." Drink 2026 - 2038
95/100 Decanter, Jonathan Cristaldi
"Kristy Melton has coaxed out hallmark freshness in her single-vineyard Cabernets. Heady oak spices rise from the glass mingling with chocolate-tinged red berry fruit and dried herbs. Plush red berries on the palate are framed by firm, dusty tannins with notes of cedar, tobacco and vanilla emerging on the finish." Drink 2022 - 2045
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Maturity | 2022 - 2055 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
