Cliff Lede Magic Nights | Rock Block Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 / 750 ml.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Magic Nights is laced with inky dark fruit, licorice, crème de cassis, chocolate, sweet spice and licorice. I would give the tannins a few years to soften, but there is a lot to like and to look forward to here. This is an especially potent expression of Stags Leap, and it works so well. Winemaker Chris Tynan draws fruit from across all the Lede estate parcels. As always, this series, known as “Rock Block” (with a name that changes each year) is especially luscious. (Antonio Galloni)

This is a robust, deeply concentrated wine, richly layered and densely textured in red fruit, crushed rock, sage and cedar. Grippy tannins reveal its youthful vigor and relative restraint that is not ready to rush out of the gate quite yet. Let the power deepen and develop further in the cellar and enjoy from 2028–2038. (Virginie Boone)

Blended of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Magic Nights prances out of the glass with showy notes of crème de cassis, blueberry coulis and chocolate-covered cherries plus hints of garrigue, pencil lead and beef drippings. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with muscular, energetic black fruits, supported by firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory. (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)

Another beautiful wine, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Magic Nights checks in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot. Revealing a deep, opaque purple color as well as classic Cabernet notes of ripe black and blue fruits, smoked tobacco, scorched earth, and graphite, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, building yet ripe tannins, and a great finish. This is s complete, balanced, satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers ample richness as well as complexity. I would be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming 10–15 years. (Jeb Dunnuck)