94pts Vinous

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Silky tannins and plush fruit wrap around the palate in a super-expressive Cabernet Sauvignon that has so much to give. Bright acids perk up the blackberry jam, mocha, licorice, spice and gravel flavors. The 2018 is fresh, vibrant and loaded with personality. I loved it.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon comes galloping out of the glass with energetic scents of ripe black cherries, fresh black berries and blackcurrant cordial plus nuances of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of wild sage. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, the palate is beautifully poised with bags of freshness countering the concentrated flavors and a fine-grained frame, finishing long with a minty kick.

Winery Notes

Purlieu means “the edge of the forest” or “an outlying area.” Directly, it is a reference to our home base in the new Coombsville AVA, at the edge of the forest and the entire Napa Valley. Symbolically, “purlieu” refers to our approach to winemaking, to exploring the outskirts and navigating the boundaries of what one may expect of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. For us, the key to successfully walking that edge lies in maintaining balance: between innovation and tradition, confidence and restraint, depth and refreshment.