2018 Sleight of Hand Cellars Illusionist Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

JD94 Loads of blue fruits, plums, tobacco, and leafy herbs emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Illusionist Reserve, which is a not yet bottled blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Medium to full-bodied, soft, supple, and textured, its balance and purity are both spot on, it has polished tannins, and a notable sense of elegance. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15+.
Another estate that has been around for a while yet seems to have found a new level of quality, Sleight of Hand is run by Trey Busch, Jerry Solomon, and Keith Johnson. These wines have always been rich and concentrated, yet over the past 4 to 5 years, they have pulled back slightly on the ripeness level, and the wines show more focus, elegance, and balance today, with still concentrated, age-worthy profiles. Their wines consistently rank with the crème de la crème of the state today.
Estate Notes: The 2018 Illusionist Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from our Estate Vineyard blocks located in both the Walla Walla and Red Mountain AVAs. It was aged for 20 months in 54% new French oak, and has a classic nose of tobacco leaf, red and black cherries, Asian spices, cassis, earthy herbs, and leather. The palate is dominated by dense flavors of more dark cherries and plums, with herbal undertones. It is richly textured, almost decadent, with refined, mouth-coating tannins, perfectly integrated oak notes, and incredibly fresh acidity. This Cabernet could prove to be immortal! Enjoy now, after decanting, or lay down for the next 20-25 years!