2018 Perliss Estate 'The Ravens' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Yields are kept small and hand-harvested in this 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique Perliss touch of aging in handmade terra-cotta vessels allows 20% of the fruit to develop its character without the influence of oak. The other 80% sees two years in French oak barrels made by small-production coopers. This opens with an intriguing bouquet of espresso and bacon alongside more traditional black cherry and violets. On the palate, plum, cherry, nutmeg and cocoa make for a bold attack. Espresso returns on the finish, along with a lingering tobacco note. This is one for the cellar, with tannins that would benefit from (and deliver on) a little more time in the dark.