Napa Valley Cabernet: Best Oakville 2018 wines

Home to more posh addresses than perhaps any other sub-AVA, Oakville has become an epicenter of the modern, luxe Napa Cabernet.

Scroll down for the top-scoring Oakville 2018 wines

Situated directly in the centre of the valley, it is far enough south to access the moderation of San Pablo Bay, and also bask in afternoon sun once the fog has evaporated.

There is considerable east-to-west diversity, prompting industry hypotheticals of AVA subdivision.

Wines tend to be more ripe and lush in the western section where the soils are sedimentary. The eastern portion exudes a more taut, high-toned minerality from its red volcanic soils.

Dalla Valle winemaker Andy Erickson describes 2018 as ‘classic Napa Valley: big flavours, very aromatic, and even though there is volume, there is really great balance.

‘It’s one of those vintages where most people made really good wines. It’s kind of a no-brainer. Usually the most uneventful vintages produce the best wines.’

Napa Valley Cabernet: Full 2018 vintage report

Speaking of the eastern section where Dalla Valle sits, Erickson notes, ‘The east side is where you have decomposing, iron-rich volcanic soils that come down off Pritchard Hill. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc just really love that condition. Well-drained but still plenty of clay in the soils. The vineyards cruise through the season.’

Quick links

Individual AVA analysis and top-scoring wines coming soon:

Calistoga, Coombsville, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Rutherford, St Helena Stags Leap District

Many classic showings of Oakville will make credit cards recoil, this being home to Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, Opus One and MacDonald.

Turnbull’s Black Label and Groth’s Reserve are solid examples.

Heitz’s Martha’s Vineyard is the ultimate showing from a quality-price-ratio perspective.

See the top-scoring Oakville 2018 wines

See also

Decanter Premium Collector’s Guide: Napa Valley Heitz Cellar: Producer profilePromontory: Harlan’s rugged Napa territoryCalifornia Cabernet 2016: Panel tasting results