Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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Canvasback
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Vintage : 2018
Country : USA
Region : Washington
Subregion :
Type : Red
Style : Deep Full Bodied
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 15,1°
Grappes : 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, 1% Malbec

Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the essence of Washington’s Red Mountain AVA, delivering a bold yet polished wine with rich layers of ripe fruit and refined tannins.

Experts		Score	Vintage
W&S	Wines & Spirits	93	2018
JS	James Suckling	92	2018
RP	Robert Parker	91	2018
WS	Wine Spectator	91	2018
WE	Wine Enthusiast	90	2018

More information on wine critics and ratings

Tasting Note (PDF)

Description
Producer
Reviews

Region and Vineyards

The Red Mountain AVA is Washington State’s smallest but most celebrated appellation, renowned for producing structured, intensely flavored wines. Located in the southeast corner of the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain benefits from a warm, arid climate with long sunny days and cool nights, creating ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The volcanic soils of the region, rich in nutrients but with excellent drainage, encourage low yields and concentrated berries. The growing season featured warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while preserving their natural acidity and aromatic complexity. This vintage offers a balance of ripeness, vibrancy, and intensity unique to Red Mountain.

Winemaking

Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, and 1% Malbec, reflecting a thoughtful approach to blending for depth and nuance. The grapes were handpicked and meticulously sorted to ensure optimal quality.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 40% new oak and 60% neutral oak. This careful oak regimen added layers of complexity, including subtle notes of hazelnut and cocoa, while enhancing the wine’s structure and elegance.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby red with a vibrant, saturated core.
Aroma: Aromas of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, and grenadine, complemented by hints of blueberry, huckleberry, and subtle oak tones of slivered almond and hazelnut.
Palate: A lush and supple palate with layered flavors of red licorice, orange zest, and candied grape, transitioning into darker tones of black plum, cocoa, berry pie, and baking spices.

Did You Know?

Canvasback is part of the prestigious Duckhorn Portfolio, which has a legacy of crafting exceptional wines across the U.S. The Red Mountain AVA, where Canvasback focuses its efforts, is recognized as one of the most sought-after regions for premium Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Pairing Ideas

Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter: The wine’s tannins and dark fruit flavors complement the richness of the steak.
Roast duck with cherry glaze: Its vibrant red fruit and spice notes enhance the savory and sweet flavors of the dish.
Mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms harmonize with the wine’s depth and complexity.
Dark chocolate truffles: The cocoa and berry notes in the wine pair beautifully with rich, dark chocolate.

History of Canvasback

Founded in 2012 by the Duckhorn Portfolio, Canvasback was established to showcase the extraordinary potential of Red Mountain AVA, one of Washington State’s most celebrated wine regions. Known for its ideal terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain boasts southwestern-facing slopes, wide temperature swings between day and night, and nutrient-rich volcanic soils that create wines of unparalleled intensity and complexity.

Canvasback’s journey began with sourcing grapes from top growers in Red Mountain, including vineyards like Klipsun, La Coye, and Quintessence. In 2013, Canvasback solidified its roots by acquiring the Longwinds Vineyard, a coveted 20-acre site on the mountain. Guided by viticultural expert Dick Boushey and founding winemaker Brian Rudin, the estate planted its first vines in 2014.

Today, Canvasback’s winemaking is led by Joseph Czarny, a skilled winemaker with experience in top wineries across the US, Australia, and New Zealand. His small-lot, vineyard-focused approach ensures wines of remarkable complexity and precision.

Region and Vineyards

Red Mountain AVA, located in Eastern Washington, spans a mere 4,000 acres but is one of the most sought-after regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Its desert climate, with over 40°C temperature swings between day and night, allows grapes to ripen fully while preserving acidity. The mineral-rich volcanic soils of Red Mountain, combined with only 150 mm (6 inches) of annual rainfall, demand precision irrigation, resulting in concentrated and structured fruit.

Canvasback’s flagship Longwinds Vineyard, situated near the top of Red Mountain’s slope, is a testament to the region’s potential. This site contributes to the winery’s signature style: bold, fruit-driven wines with excellent aging potential.

Wine Range of Canvasback

Canvasback specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon as its hallmark wine, earning acclaim for its bold structure and depth. Beyond Cabernet, Canvasback has expanded its portfolio to include Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc, sourced from Washington’s finest appellations, showcasing the diversity of the state’s terroirs.

Did You Know?

The name Canvasback was inspired by the Canvasback duck, native to the Pacific Flyway and a tribute to Duckhorn Portfolio’s tradition of waterfowl-themed branding.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 93 Points (2018)

A dark and heady wine, all crushed berries and dark spices, this cabernet marries sumptuous oak spice with deep, powerful fruit. A big and burly classic from Red Mountain, this wine’s tannins feel powerful and balanced at once.

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2018)

Blackcurrants, brambleberries, toasted walnuts, spice box, sandalwood and dried flowers on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Structured and precise with tight layers of dark fruit and spice. Focused.

Robert Parker (RP) : 91 Points (2018)

The 2018 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon starts with a firm, dusty and juicy nose with aromas of tasty black cherry, wilted lavender and roses with elements of redcurrants and crème de cassis. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is juicy and features dusty tannins, with flavors of black plum and juicy black Raspberry skin across the mid-palate. The Cabernet concludes with firm, tannic edge and a lingering flavor of crème de violette. This rested for 20 months in French oak, 40% new, and represents a great value for the price. 252,000 bottles were filled.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 91 Points (2018)

Structured yet supple, with vibrant black cherry, toasty mocha and spice flavors that finish with polished tannins.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2018)

This wine shows some reduction out of the gate. Behind that are notes of cassis, anise and herbs. The palate is flavorful with red and black fruit notes but has a reserved sensibility to it. There's plenty of structure around it all. A warm finish caps it off.