Newton Vineyard : Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Newton Vineyard’s Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Tasting

Appearance
The wine shows a deep ruby-red hue with dark purple highlights, almost black in the glass.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex, layered bouquet dominated by blackcurrant and wild red cherry, accompanied by notes of tobacco. Deeper aromas of mocha and anise mingle with wild herbs, while hints of violet and mineral graphite add an extra dimension. As it opens up, fragrances of fresh plum, bark, pine needles, milk chocolate and clove gradually emerge.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and structured, combining power and elegance. Dark fruits form the core of the flavor profile, enhanced by a chocolatey texture that adds depth and complexity. Mineral tannins reminiscent of graphite bring structure and refinement. The palate reveals flavors of dark blackcurrant paste, warm fig and blackberry jam, with remarkable density through the mid-palate. An earthy note of forest floor anchors the wine in its terroir, while touches of toasted cedar meld harmoniously through to the finish. Firm, silky tannins provide a smooth, creamy texture, wrapping layers of ripe fruit and chocolate. The abundant, lingering finish carries on with exceptional fruity freshness, evolving toward tones of dried herbs, clove and bittersweet chocolate.

Food and wine pairings

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs ideally with grilled or roasted red meats, especially premium cuts of beef such as rib steak, strip steak or beef tenderloin. It also goes wonderfully with game, such as venison, as well as lamb prepared with aromatic herbs. Umami-rich mushroom dishes, such as a porcini sauce, create particularly successful harmonies. This wine also matches well with aged hard cheeses such as mature cheddar, Gruyère or Comté.

Serving and cellaring

The Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Opening it 15 to 30 minutes before serving allows the wine to fully express itself. According to professional assessments, this wine can be enjoyed through around 2030, with cellaring potential that will allow it to develop further complexity over the years.

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon expressing the essence of Spring Mountain’s terroir

The estate

Newton Vineyard was founded in 1977 by Peter Newton on the steep slopes of Spring Mountain, near St. Helena in California. This historic Napa Valley estate spans 560 acres. Acquired by LVMH in 2001, the property was severely damaged by the fire in September 2020, which destroyed the winery and almost the entire vineyard. In September 2025, Newton Vineyard was acquired by Nick Livanos and Eric Bryan Seuthe, along with their respective wives, who set out to restore this iconic property. Under the direction of winemaker Caryn Harrison, the new owners restarted production with the 2025 vintage, thereby perpetuating Newton Vineyard’s legacy of excellence. The estate is renowned for its “Nature by Design” philosophy, its commitment to certified organic viticulture and its meticulous parcel-by-parcel winemaking.

The vineyard

The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Spring Mountain’s high-elevation vineyards in Napa Valley, spread across 112 distinct parcels farmed on slopes that can reach a 56-degree incline. The soils are made up in equal parts of iron-rich residual volcanic terroirs and residual sedimentary soils including chalky and gravelly components. This geological diversity, combined with variations in altitude and exposure, creates a mosaic of microclimates that enable a complex expression of terroir. Cool nights at elevation preserve the fruit’s natural acidity, while generous sunshine promotes optimal phenolic ripeness. Individual parcel management makes it possible to harvest each block at its ideal point of ripeness.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage holds particular historical importance for Newton Vineyard, representing one of the last vintages produced on the Spring Mountain property before the devastating fire of September 2020. This vintage captures the essence of Newton’s philosophy and bears witness to the estate’s exceptional qualitative potential prior to this turbulent period.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 were hand-harvested and vinified using an approach that respects the fruit. Fermentation was carried out with indigenous yeasts naturally present on the berries and in the winery environment, thus preserving the vineyard’s distinctive characteristics. The wine was then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, with 30% new barrels and 70% barrels that had held one wine or more. This proportion provides subtle aromatic complexity without masking the expression of the fruit. True to Newton’s signature, this California wine was bottled without filtration, thereby preserving the full breadth of its texture, bouquet and natural structure.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Sauvignon.