Inglenook Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Inglenook Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rutherford bench in Napa Valley. Awarded 95 points by James Suckling and 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Bordeaux-inspired blend represents one of California's most historically significant wine estates performing at the peak of a celebrated vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Estate: Inglenook

Production & Heritage

Inglenook was founded in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum, who set out to produce wines rivaling the great estates of Bordeaux. Director Francis Ford Coppola began acquiring the property in 1975, fully reunited the estate by 1995, and restored the Inglenook name in 2011. The 2018 is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, and 0.5% Petit Verdot — all organically farmed on estate vineyards in the Rutherford AVA. After a 21-day maceration in small fermenters for enhanced extraction, the wine aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, 43% of which were new.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe cassis and blackberry lead, followed by layers of espresso, cedar, and a subtle thread of dark chocolate. With air, hazelnut and wild game nuances emerge from the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy with blueberry and black cherry, building through a mid-palate of milk chocolate and ripe berry fruit. Silky tannins provide structure without aggression, while ample freshness keeps the wine vibrant and focused through each sip.

Finish: Long and polished, with lingering notes of liquorice, dark fruit, and a fine-grained tannic grip. The oak integration is seamless, leaving a clean, mineral-edged close.

How to Drink Inglenook Cabernet 2018

Decant for 45 to 60 minutes before serving at 62–65°F to allow the full aromatic range to unfold. This wine rewards patient sipping on its own, but its structure and depth also make it a commanding partner at the dinner table. Grilled ribeye steak lets the tannins cut through rich fat. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary complement the herbal and dark-fruit undertones. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego echo the wine's nutty, savory complexity.

Best For

• Cellaring for a milestone occasion — drinking window extends through the mid-2030s
• Gifting a serious Napa Valley wine collector
• Anchoring a Rutherford Cabernet vertical tasting
• Pairing with a celebratory prime steak dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Inglenook Cabernet 2018 taste like? The dominant profile centers on ripe dark fruit — cassis, blackberry, and black cherry — layered with espresso, dark chocolate, and cedar, all framed by silky tannins and a long, polished finish.

How does Inglenook Cabernet 2018 compare to Opus One 2018? Both are premium Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blends from the exceptional 2018 vintage, but Inglenook leans into 100% estate-grown, organically farmed fruit with higher Cabernet Sauvignon dominance at 95%. Opus One typically uses a more evenly split Bordeaux blend and positions at a significantly higher price point, while Inglenook's 95-point Suckling score places it in competitive critical territory.

Is Inglenook Cabernet 2018 good for cellaring? Yes — the wine's firm tannic structure, balanced acidity, and concentration suggest a drinking window extending through the mid-2030s, though it is already approachable with proper decanting.

Where is Inglenook Cabernet 2018 made? Inglenook is located in Rutherford, in the heart of Napa Valley, California, on an estate founded in 1879 and now owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.

What foods pair well with Inglenook Cabernet 2018? Grilled ribeye or filet mignon highlights the wine's tannic structure. Braised short ribs with root vegetables complement its dark fruit depth. Roasted duck breast mirrors the subtle game notes. Aged Comté or Manchego echoes the nutty, savory undertones. Dark chocolate desserts bridge naturally with the espresso and cacao threads in the finish.

What sizes does Inglenook Cabernet 2018 come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml format.

Is Inglenook Cabernet 2018 worth the price? Positioned as a premium Napa Valley estate Cabernet, Inglenook competes favorably with wines priced well above its tier, backed by 95 points from James Suckling and a pedigree stretching back to 1879 — strong value relative to comparable Rutherford benchland bottlings.

Why Inglenook Cabernet 2018?

The 2018 vintage delivered ideal conditions across Napa Valley — a long, even growing season that produced wines of both concentration and freshness. Inglenook's version earned 95 points from James Suckling, 94 from Wine Enthusiast, and 93 from Jeb Dunnuck, placing it among the top-scoring Rutherford Cabernets of the year. The commitment to 100% estate-grown, organically farmed fruit and an extended 21-day maceration gives this wine a textural richness and site-specific character that mass-sourced Napa Cabernets rarely achieve. For collectors and serious drinkers seeking a historically significant estate at the top of its game, this bottling delivers genuine substance behind the name.