2018 Black Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Tasting Notes
“Very dark red color. Opulent scents of sage, tobacco, cassis, cocoa, flint, oak spice and boysenberry unite in this expressive, cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Upon taste these qualities remain and become expansive on the palate while perched on polished, yet abundant tannins. Modest acidity and great persistence lead this wine into a very complex and pleasurable finish. Enjoy now through 2035.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
February 2026
“Dried autumn leaves, tart Montmorency cherries, tobacco leaves, and rooibos tea are effusive and perfumed in this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Black Ridge Vineyard. The Black Ridge site comes from the inland side of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. Sweet cherries, smoky cedar plank, and a blend of exotic Moroccan herbs give this wine depth and a sense of mountain mystery.”
Decanter
Production Data
Growers: Jim Landes and Fred Faltersack
Winemaker: Bill Brosseau
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Elevation/Exposure: 825 – 1175 feet; Southeast, South, Northeast
Soil: Sandy loam with sandstone and calcareous shale
Vineyard Age: 19 years
Viticulture Practice: Farmed Organic
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in Stainless steel
Cooperage & Ageing: 58 months in 197% new French oak
Production: 25 barrels
Composition: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot
Acidity: 3.16 pH, 8.51 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest: October 15, 2018, hand harvested
Release Date: February 2026
Release Price: $89
Drink Now through 2035
Past Vintage Wine Scores
“Aromas of black cherries and currants with walnuts, dark spices and cigar box. Full-bodied with fine tannins and juicy dark berry character. Crunchy and savory with vivid tension and a racy finish. Drink or hold.”
JamesSuckling.com
May 2023
“A massive wine with the freshness of Santa Cruz Mountains fruit, this is all about power. It’s super tannic, but the fruit still shows through in scents of cherry skins, sweet strawberries and some perfumed notes. This may be best as a young wine, to enjoy with slow-braised short ribs.”
Wine & Spirits Magazine
December 2021 Issue
“Saturated ruby. Mineral-accented dark berry, cherry-vanilla, licorice and pipe tobacco aromas are complemented by building oak spice and floral pastille nuances. Intense black currant, bitter cherry, fruitcake and vanilla flavors show excellent depth and smooth, supple texture. Finishes with strong tenacity on the gently tannic finish, and leaves behind exotic spice and dark fruit preserve notes. This wine was aged for 40 months in French oak barrels, 80% of which were new.”
Josh Raynolds
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
November 2019
“Deep ruby color; toasty plum nose; smooth texture and juicy style with plum, berries and cassis; notes of spice, oak and tangy acidity; smooth, balanced and long.”
Anthony Dias Blue
June 2018
“Dense aromas of black currant are leveled by slate and graphite tones on the nose of this bottling. The palate is all about texture that is firm but friendly, carrying flavors of black olive, violet and blackberry. This one still needs even more time to develop fully.”
Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast
November 2018
The Black Ridge Vineyard
Located on the inland side of the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, Black Ridge Vineyards produces Testarossa’s Bordeaux varietals consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
This historic vineyard is ideally situated to avoid the harsh coastal winds and fog that cover the majority of the appellation. The vineyard was originally planted in the mid 19th century, but replaced by prune trees during Prohibition and then a Christmas tree farm. In 1999, it was returned to its original roots with grapevines. Testarossa Director of Winemaking Bill Brosseau oversees the management of the vineyard working closely with vineyard staff that take great care in hand manicuring this one of a kind vineyard.