GREAT VALUE 2018 NAPA WINES

JAMES SUCKLING CHOOSES EIGHT WINES FROM THE VALLEY PRICED UNDER US$50

GIBBS CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY THREE CLONES 2018 Score: 94

Very pretty sweet-berry and bark character to the blueberry and black-cherry aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, silky tannins and a creamy finish. Nicely crafted and balanced. Very drinkable now and beautiful, but best after 2023.

FAUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2018 Score: 94

Very attractive aromas of blackcurrants, black olives and dark leather with some cedar. It’s fullbodied with firm, silky tannins and a refined, polished finish. Shows finesse and focus. Grows on the palate. Really delicious now, but will improve with age. Drink or hold.

ETUDE PINOT NOIR CARNEROS GRACE BENOIST RANCH 2018 Score: 94

Vivid strawberry and dried-flower aromas here with hints of sandalwood. Medium to full body with firm, creamy tannins and a tangy finish. Opulent. Tight and focused. Pumice and black and white-pepper notes. A pretty wine already, but give it a year or two to open and soften. Drink after 2021.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE PINOT NOIR NAPA VALLEY CARNEROS 2018 Score: 93

Aromas of dried berries, citrus rind and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate with creamy, juicy tannins that have an underlying chocolate and lightly nutty flavour. Fine tannins. A rich wine, but always fresh. Drink now.

COURTNEY BENHAM CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2018 Score: 93

Lots of blackberries and wet earth with mahogany and spice. Full-bodied, tight and composed with long, silky tannins. Shows length and depth. Drink after 2021, but already beautiful. Screw cap.

MARTIN RAY CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2018 Score: 93

Deep and manicured with blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and tight with super polished tannins and a racy finish. Beautifully crafted tannins make this exciting. Better after 2022, but already beautiful. Screw cap.

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2018 Score: 93

A complex nose of fresh berries, olives, herbs and spices. Balanced, velvety palate with nice harmony and elegant tannins. Long, savoury finish. Delicious. Drink or hold.

SCHUG PINOT NOIR CARNEROS 2018 Score: 93

Dried strawberries with bark and freshmushroom undertones. Black-tea notes, too. Full-bodied, yet tightly wound with firm tannins that frame the wine nicely. Soft, creamy tannins. Drink or hold.