2018 My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

JD96+ The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (this was reviewed as the “My Favorite Neighbor” in last year’s report) is similarly deep purple/ruby-hued and has slightly more red fruits with lots of black raspberry, cassis, toasted spice, unsmoked tobacco, and incense aromas and flavors. It almost has a Margaux-like perfume and is medium to full-bodied, seamless, and wonderfully balanced on the palate. Some chalky minerality comes through with time in the glass, and it has plenty of tannins and a great finish. It’s not an over-the-top blockbuster and impresses just as much for its elegance as its richness. 
Estate Notes: The 2018 vintage of My Favorite Neighbor is a crowd pleaser. This Cabernet shows elegant aromas of cassis, black raspberries, cinnamon spice and nutmeg. The palate opens softly with luscious, dark fruit notes, seamlessly coasting to a lengthy finish of blackberry compote and espresso. Enjoy this Cabernet with backyard BBQ and grilled vegetables, but most importantly enjoy with friends! Shipping is inclusive with the purchase of a case.Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah.

The My Favorite Neighbor releases are made by Eric Jensen and there are two cuvees, the Harvey and Harriet and the flagship My Favorite Neighbor. The Harvey and Harriet release is named after Jensen’s parents and includes small amounts of Syrah, Petit Verdot, Malbec. It’s made to be the more black-fruited, richer, more powerful wine in the lineup. The My Favorite Neighbor is more Cabernet Sauvignon dominated, and it’s the more elegant, red-fruited wine of the duo, yet it never lacks for fruit or richness. Both are brilliant wines, and as I wrote in one of the reviews, they would cost 2-3 times their going rate if they were from Napa Valley.
 
Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyard created this wine in honor of his parents. In a world of overpriced Cabernet blends, Eric’s hard working, honest, salt of the earth parents would have never been able to drink a decent wine. Harvey and Harriet is a wine that’s made by hard work, the best vineyard sites,

the best barrels, the best team and of course no additives or concentrates. A world class wine for everyone who appreciates high quality without the high price tag.

A lively, deep ruby appearance. Aromas of vanilla, cedar and dark forest spicy fruits. Silky and smooth with black cherry, cassis, nutmeg and cinnamon notes. Quite simply, this wine is yummy!