2018 Estate Reserve

Tasting Notes

This new vintage was one where blending trials became a true artistic challenge as numerous lots were eligible to make it into the new Estate Reserve. A consistent goal that we have diligently stuck by is to craft elegant wines that we truly enjoy ourselves, so as to make a real connection with our loyal customers. However, “elegance” doesn’t have to mean lacking of tannin as often assumed in new world wines. One of our favorite wines of the world, Barolo, always comes to mind as a perfect example of this as it’s amazing to experience the beautiful elegance some of the great producers there showcase in spite of the large tannins. This wine, a bit more tightly wound than the Cabernet initially, over days of tasting, enlighten you to beautiful black currant, herb de Provence - sage, rosemary, thyme - and incredible overlays of freshly pulled espresso. It also leans a bit more towards the sexy red and blue fruit spectrum. Coating the entire palate, this wine has building tannin that seemingly grows in your mouth and possesses an insanely long and chewy finish that I really enjoy. Pulling you back to the rolled stones and fractured basalt of our two different estate vineyards – truly this will only get better with age. Enjoy from 2023 through 2048.

Vintage Notes

The 2018 vintage is already showing as one of my favorites of all time to work with. A slightly late, to on time bud break was quickly followed by the month of May which was over-the-top warm and lead us to great canopy growth. June, however, brought cooler weather that then warmed up substantially in July and August and we got through bloom and began to ripen quickly. The hallmark of the vintage though, was September and October as we experienced absolutely some of the best, most consistent, harvest weather I have seen. Warm but milder temperatures, cool nights, and a long finish to the growing season led to perfectly ripened grapes. This vintage was the first year that was completely made in our new estate facility, and marks a year where our goal of “elegance” really starts to show off as we slowly back away from new oak usage and started to increase aging Cabernet in concrete tulips and Austrian oak ovals. I am tremendously proud of our team and these wines and am excited to share this vintage with you.

Join Wine Allocation

2018 was also a landmark year for Doubleback as it was the first vintage we were able to make - start to finish - at our brand new facility. It was kind of Mother Nature to christen our winery with a near perfect vintage! The 2018 Doubleback Cabernet and Estate Reserve epitomize the vision we’ve had for our wines from the very start. Elegance, structure, complexity, depth and power. All in perfect harmony. It is a great feeling to be able to say that our 12th vintage of Doubleback is arguably our best yet! Hats off to Josh and our entire team, for the passion they continue to pour into this project. But even more importantly, an enormous thanks to you for continuing to make our vision a reality!
- Note from Drew

Technical Notes