2018 Antinori 'Antica' Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak
Deep purple-black in color with vibrant, expressive aromas of black currant, crushed blueberry and blackberry. The wine is full bodied, with a wonderful richness and depth on the palate and firm, ripe tannins. The long, savory flavors provide generosity to the persistent finish.
There just aren't many on the level of Piero Antinori. Process this for a moment: He represents the 25th generation in an unbroken string of vintners, beginning in 1385. 26 generations! His family started accumulating knowledge about vineyard and cellar practices when Chaucer was working on The Canterbury Tales. It's difficult to comprehend. His lifetime experience cannot be overstated as he has literally been involved with wine his entire life. In fact, one of his first memories is of German soldiers shooting barrels in his family's cellars as Europe descended into chaos at the end of WWII. He has a truly encyclopedic knowledge of what it means to be a winemaker, and he understands that he is a vital link from his family's past to its future as the Antinori footprint expands across the globe.
James Suckling
Sweet-berry, bark and forest-floor aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with notes of blackberry, violet, cedar and spice. The palate is savory and juicy with round tannins. The finish is elegant, clean and showing length. Needs three to four years to come together. Try after 2023.
Wine Advocate
Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select sails out of the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed blueberries, black raspberries and ripe blackcurrants with hints of dried mint, violets, pencil lead and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with gorgeous energy, featuring and a lively backbone cutting through the tightly wound black fruit layers and grainy tannins, finishing with a minty lift.