2018 Raymond 'Generations' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown knew she had something special when she tasted a barrel sample of this, but a little more time and love proved to exceed her expectations. She waxed poetic about “the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and spice cake, followed by notes of potpourri, oolong tea and unsmoked cigars,” going on to note, “The full-bodied, decadently fruited palate delivers loads of savory accents among the juicy black and red fruit layers, supported by velvety tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and fragrant.” If that review doesn’t get your mouth watering for more, we can’t imagine what would!
"Raymond Vineyards has returned to the fold as one of the benchmark, classic estates in all of Napa." – Robert M Parker, Jr. The Bad Boy of Burgundy. The man who favors silk smoking jackets, Baccarat crystal, surrealist art, and things both shaken and stirred. He’s had three sets of tires slashed in Beaune for having the audacity to bottle Grand Cru under screwcap. He married Gina Gallo, and they now live in Robert Mondavi's former Napa Valley home high up on Wappo Hill in Yountville. His parties include painted acrobats suspended from the rafters, and John Legend on the piano. He is Jean-Charles Boisset, the most interesting man in the wine business. Boisset brings a passion for greatness and a unique Gallic flair to his winery projects in California, especially Raymond Vineyards. We were especially impressed by the following wine, which illustrates Raymond's wild renaissance in quality and, thanks to Jean-Charles, a sultry, far-out image makeover that must be seen to be believed. It's definitely worth a stop on your next visit to the valley.
Jeb Dunnuck
Lots of sweet tobacco, chocolate, and earth as well as plenty of dark fruits emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Generations. This stunning 2018 is full-bodied, concentrated, and light on its feet, with perfect symmetry and balance. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon blended from four different vineyards in St. Helena and Rutherford, aged in 52% new French oak, this powerful yet elegant Napa Valley Cabernet already offers pleasure, yet my money is on it evolving for over two decades.
WA97Wine Advocate
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from four different vineyards in St. Helena and Rutherford, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Generations comes wafting out of the glass with the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves and spice cake, followed by notes of potpourri, oolong tea and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied, decadently fruited palate delivers loads of savory accents among the juicy black and red fruit layers, supported by velvety tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and fragrant. 1,718 cases were made.
Vinous
The 2018 Generations captures the Raymond style at its best. Heady and flamboyant to the core, 2018 boasts striking richness in its inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, spice leather and menthol flavors. The 2018 is an unapologetically rich, full-throttle Cabernet, with all the elements impeccably balanced. Readers who enjoy opulent Napa Valley Cabernets will love it.
Wine Enthusiast
Brawny, fleshy and full bodied, as well as blended with 3% Petit Verdot, this red sizzles in black cherry, cassis and brown sugar. Integrated tannins contribute support and additional power, as a length of toasted oak weighs in.