This 2018 Hewitt Double Plus Cabernet is exceptional. Intrigue, intensity, complexity, depth, and richness all come together in this remarkable vintage. The concentration is almost old-world like, with a nod to the Amarone-like dried fruit character with notes of fig and raisin, alongside a fresh, bright, voluptuous, and sinewy mouthfeel, exhibiting the true elegance of this spectacular vineyard selection. Consistently a favorite among wine critics, this Cabernet is exemplary of the enigmatic character of Hewitt’s terroir, showcasing a saturated, deep red brick color, alluring aromas, and multi-layered, nuanced flavors. Double Plus epitomizes the complex character of Hewitt Vineyard showing a focused purity of fruit, with rich tones of dark plum, deep black cherry, alongside nuances of warm sticky toffee pudding, caramel, molasses and mocha, all tributes to the perfectly harmonized oak-integration. Signature Rutherford dust characteristics unfold into velvety smooth, cocoa-powder tannins, with secondary flavors and aromas of sarsaparilla, holiday spice cake, and exotic star anise, persisting through the unctuous, supple, mouth coating finish that evolves, revealing more complexity with each sip. The wine was fermented in small French barriques, enhancing the wine’s opulent mouthfeel and structure, softening tannins, and giving this Cabernet its signature rum-raisin profile and spectacular concentration.
