Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California, bottled at 15.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This small-lot release earned 93 points from critics and a 93.6-point community average across 69 reviews on CellarTracker, reinforcing a legacy that Wine Spectator has described as "a record of excellence that few California wineries can rival."

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.5%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Winery: Lewis Cellars (est. 1992)

Production & Heritage

Lewis Cellars was founded in 1992 in Napa Valley by Randy Lewis, a former Indianapolis 500 race car driver who channeled the same precision into winemaking. The winery produces roughly 9,000 cases annually, maintaining an artisanal scale that allows for handpicked and hand-sorted fruit in every bottling. This 2018 vintage is crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, reflecting the winery's philosophy that each vintage should be both unique and unmistakably Lewis in character—a consistency shaped by the team's vision and meticulous approach to small-lot vinification.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with concentrated black currant and ripe blueberry, quickly layered with dark baker's chocolate and a subtle hint of cedar. A deeper inhale reveals nuances of kidskin leather and mocha, lending weight and complexity to the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is plush and fruit-forward, delivering waves of blackberry and strawberry that build toward a mid-palate marked by Godiva-style dark chocolate and tobacco spice. The wine carries serious gravitas—full-bodied with a smooth, dry texture—yet reviewers note a surprisingly good balance that continues to improve over an hour of drinking.

Finish: The finish is long and structured, driven by firm, full tannins that frame lingering notes of cedar and mocha. It fades slowly, leaving a persistent impression of dark fruit and baking spice.

How to Drink Lewis Cellars Cabernet

This is a wine built for contemplative drinking. Serve it at cellar temperature (60–65°F) in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass, and consider decanting for 30 to 60 minutes to let the layers of chocolate and spice fully unfurl. While primarily a sipping wine, its bold structure also makes it versatile in food-pairing contexts. A classic Cabernet-braised short rib pairing mirrors the wine's dark fruit and tobacco depth. It also stands up beautifully alongside a grilled ribeye with herb butter, where the fat tempers the tannins. For a lighter match, try it with aged Gouda or Comté cheese, which complement the mocha and cedar undertones.

Best For

• Celebrating a milestone anniversary or promotion with a serious Napa Cabernet
• Gifting a collector who values Wine Spectator-recognized producers
• Building a cellar with age-worthy 2018 Napa vintages
• Hosting an intimate dinner party centered around grilled red meats

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lewis Cellars Cabernet 2018 taste like? It leads with ripe black currant and blackberry, transitions through rich dark chocolate and tobacco spice at the mid-palate, and finishes with firm tannins and lingering cedar. Reviewers consistently highlight its plush fruit, surprising balance, and the way it improves with time in the glass.

How does Lewis Cellars Cabernet compare to Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet? Both are iconic Napa Valley Cabernets known for ripe, full-bodied profiles, but Lewis Cellars operates at a significantly smaller scale—roughly 9,000 total cases versus Caymus's much larger production. Lewis tends to show more structured tannins and darker chocolate and tobacco complexity, while Caymus is often noted for a rounder, more fruit-driven style.

Is Lewis Cellars Cabernet 2018 good for sipping neat? Absolutely—this is primarily a wine to enjoy on its own or with food. Its 93-point critical reception and layered tasting profile reward slow, attentive drinking, especially after a brief decant.

Where is Lewis Cellars Cabernet made? Lewis Cellars is located in Napa Valley, California, where the winery has produced small-lot wines since its founding in 1992. All fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Napa Valley vineyards.

What foods pair well with Lewis Cellars Cabernet 2018? Grilled ribeye steak complements its tannic structure; braised short ribs echo its dark fruit and spice; aged hard cheeses like Gouda or Comté match the mocha and cedar notes; lamb chops with rosemary mirror the wine's herbal undertones; and dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the baker's chocolate character found throughout.

What sizes does Lewis Cellars Cabernet 2018 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Lewis Cellars Cabernet 2018 worth the price? Lewis Cellars positions as a premium Napa Valley producer, and the 2018 Cabernet sits in the upper tier of the category. Its 93-point critical score, small-lot production of approximately 9,000 total cases across all wines, and the winery's history of Wine Spectator Top 100 placements—including a #1 ranking for the 2013 vintage—provide strong context for its premium positioning.

Why Lewis Cellars Cabernet 2018?

Lewis Cellars has built one of Napa Valley's most decorated track records since 1992, earning multiple Wine Spectator Top 100 placements including the coveted #1 spot for the 2013 Cabernet. The 2018 vintage continues that trajectory with a 93-point critical score and a CellarTracker community average of 93.6 across nearly 70 reviews. What distinguishes this wine from larger-production Napa Cabs is the winery's commitment to handpicked, hand-sorted fruit and genuinely small-lot winemaking—a scale that allows for precision in every bottle. For drinkers who want a serious, age-worthy Napa Cabernet from a producer with proven pedigree, the 2018 is a compelling vintage to own.