The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Vineyard is one of the best wines I have tasted from Peter Franus, going back to 1998, the first vintage of his I tasted. Pliant and expressive, with tons of Mount Veeder savoriness, the Brandlin Cabernet is positively stellar. Inky red berry fruit, dried flowers, cedar, tobacco and iron are some of the many notes that develop in the glass. The 2018 is not a huge wine, but is impeccably balanced and beautifully persistent, with a long, cool finish that begs for a second taste.

Textbook Mount Veeder Cabernet, with a lively mix of red currant, blackberry and boysenberry preserves laced with mulling spice, sweet bay leaf and singed mesquite, all carried by zesty acidity and juicy, integrated grip through the finish. Drink now through 2032. 200 cases made.