The Beauty of Cabernet

The 2018 vintage in Napa sets a new bar

Bottles of California Cabernet Sauvignons against a pink backdrop
The 2018 vintage has overtaken 2016 as the leader for Napa Valley Cabernets, with rich, dark and detailed wines that clearly transmit their terroirs. (Aubrie Pick)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley has built a “can’t miss” reputation. This is true across California, but especially so in Napa, where there are rarely difficult vintages and the grape has become the region’s unquestioned lead player. Even among a string of excellent harvests, 2016 alone stood out from the pack—until 2018 arrived, nudging it aside and earning the top spot on the podium. Get Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth full report on California Cabernet, including top-scoring wines and smart buys.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

8 Outstanding Washington Cabernets at $50 or Less

8 Outstanding Washington Cabernets at $50 or Less

Explore Columbia Valley with new reviews of 2022 and 2021 reds that earned 90 points or more

Dec 9, 2024
7 Outstanding Bordeaux Reds Up to 93 Points

7 Outstanding Bordeaux Reds Up to 93 Points

Explore the French region's Fronsac appellation with new reviews of Merlot-based wines …

Dec 5, 2024
50 Years of Ridge Lytton Springs

50 Years of Ridge Lytton Springs

A vertical tasting of the hearty red blend spanned half a century and proved that Zinfandel …

Dec 3, 2024
7 Winning West Coast Pinot Noirs Up to 91 Points

7 Winning West Coast Pinot Noirs Up to 91 Points

Explore the U.S. West Coast with new reviews of Pinot Noirs from California's Sonoma and …

Dec 2, 2024
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Tracking the rebirth of South Africa’s legendary dessert wine

Dec 31, 2024
Australia’s Forward Motion

Australia’s Forward Motion

As quality continues to rise, the country’s wines reflect the diversity of its regions and …

Dec 31, 2024