Vecina vineyard is located in the western foothills of Oakville, just to the southeast of the winery (up on Oakville Grade). A barrel sample, the 2018 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and offers slowly emerging classic notes of black currants, black cherries, blackberry pie and cedar chest with hints of charcoal, tar, pencil lead and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the generous black fruits, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

The 2018 Vecina is a terrific expression of this site. Deep, bold and savory, the 2018 impresses for its interplay of fruit richness, structure and aromatic complexity. Like the St. Eden, the Vecina is a wine built on energy and drive, with perhaps a bit less volume than in the past, but more persistence. Clean, minerally notes and bright acids extend a finish lace with iron, sage, chalk and dried flowers.

Herbier fragrance than their St Eden and Quella. Far less glossy and insistent than most Napa Cabernets, and clearly with a great deal of sophistication. Fine-grained tannins and lots of leathery persistence. (RH)