Keenan SMD Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '18

A single-block selection from Keenan’s steepest terraces (1,800 ft elevation), this Cabernet is Spring Mountain’s answer to Pauillac. Opaque purple with magenta highlights, it erupts with crème de cassis, graphite shavings, dried violets, and a haunting note of smoldering cedar from 22 months in 80% new Taransaud barrels. The palate is both massive and meticulous—flavors of blackberry reduction, liquid chalk, and 85% dark chocolate unfold across tannins so finely knit they feel like cashmere (Antonio Galloni 98 pts). The 2018 vintage’s cool finish (harvested October 20th) preserved piercing acidity (TA 6.2 g/L), gifting it a 50-year lifespan (2030–2070+). Serve with dry-aged ribeye crusted with black truffle salt or venison loin with huckleberry jus.