2018 QUIXOTE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Born in 1989 from the vision of Carl Doumani, Quixote Winery resides in the heart of Napa Valley's Stags Leap District. Its very architecture, a whimsical masterpiece by Austrian visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser, reflects the essence of Quixote's spirit: transcendent and playful. Hundertwasser's signature rejection of straight lines and embrace of vibrant, organic shapes echo perfectly in Doumani's pursuit of exceptional wines that dance on the palate. The 27-acre Quixote estate is a haven for Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller parcels dedicated to Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Organic farming principles and a commitment to minimal intervention guide every step of the process, ensuring an expression of terroir as pure and natural as possible. Crafted by the esteemed duo of Philippe Melka, recently featured in our Winemaker Interview, and Robert Smith, the 2018 vintage is a testament to patient aging. Shaped by cooler conditions, it has matured gracefully, revealing layers of intricate flavors with remarkable richness. At $140, this wine is undeniably impressive, boasting stellar ratings from esteemed critics. However, I invite you to be your own judge. For a limited time, secure yours for just $70 and discover the magic of Quixote. WINERY NOTES: THE VINTAGE The 2018 growing season was relatively dry. Bud break was a little late compared to prior years and shoot growth was fairly moderate in the first phase. Late rains during the month of April and some in May helped the vines maintain steady growth with minimal to no irrigation needed up to veraison. Accompanied by moderately warm weather, flowering was excellent, leading to a healthy fruit set. Post-veraison we saw a trend of bigger and heavier clusters then average which was supporting our expectations of heavy vintage. TASTING NOTES A bouquet of black cherry, blackberry and baking spices slowly open up to unveil herbaceous undertones, menthol and bay laurel. Velvety on the front palate this wine builds revealing a dense mouthfeel with gravelly tannins. The lengthy blueberry finish put the final flourish on this well-structured wine.