Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Introduction

Ulysses vineyard is situated along Napa Valley’s Oakville bench at the foot of the Mayacamas range. This historic vineyard was part of the original Charles Hopper Ranch in the 1800s and was purchased by Christian Moueix in 2008. Since then, they have undertaken meticulous vineyard restoration, carefully studying the gravelly, clay loam soils and the property’s microclimates. As part of their efforts toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, they dry farm to enhance root depth and resistance to drought as well as to further develop in their wine the character of an exceptional terroir.
Homer’s Odyssey is the epic tale of Ulysses, who, after the Trojan War, travails to return to his homeland and family, a voyage of ten years. Christian Moueix, inspired by Ulysses’ unending devotion to his quest, embarks on a new journey to produce a distinctive wine from the Ulysses vineyard in Oakville.

98 Points – James Suckling
Aromas of terra cotta, chocolate and hazelnut with iron and ink. Dusty. Full-bodied and round. Layered. Flamboyant and juicy. Relatively soft and gorgeous. Some walnut and chocolate at the end. Persistent. Always there. Drinkable now but will age wonderfully.
97 Points – Vinous
Deep, creamy and generous, 2018 captures the unique blend of fruit in a savouriness typical of the southern sector of Oakville, where cooling winds from the south lend real freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish.
96 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows more cherries and bay leaves on the nose than prior vintages. There’s still a solid framework of cedar, loam and cassis, hints of mocha and licorice, but there’s also a bit more freshness and lift. It’s medium to full-bodied and densely concentrated yet silky and finessed, with a long, elegant finish.