Harbison Horseshoe Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California Red Wine | 14.7% ABV | 750mL
Process & Profile
Harbison “Horseshoe” Cabernet hails from a select vineyard block in Oakville—a site historically covered with horseshoes, planted just east of Screaming Eagle’s estate—and is crafted with the same care as their top-tier selections. Barrel-fermented and aged in new French oak, the wine reflects both power and finesse in a distinctly Napa Valley style.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Deep black and blue fruits—blackberry, boysenberry—layered with dried rose petals, leather, wet-earth iodine, vanilla, licorice, and mocha
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Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured: ripe dark fruit, scorched earth, graphite-like minerals, mixed dark chocolate, plum, and dusty cedar. Supple yet chewy tannins with structure for long-term aging
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Finish: Persistent and mineral-driven, with lingering tobacco, spice, mature oak, and a savory earth streak
What Makes It Special
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Estate-grown in a premier Oakville block with storied terroir
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Aged entirely in new French oak barrels for rich texture and depth
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Full-bodied yet elegant, balancing power and polish
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Vintage scored 94–96 by James Suckling and other critics, signaling top-tier quality
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Built for cellaring: strong tannin structure and acidity promise aging to the 2030s
How to Enjoy
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Serve at 60–65°F in a large Bordeaux glass.
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Decant for 1–2 hours to let the wine breathe and reveal aromatic layers.
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Pair with grilled ribeye, venison, beef bourguignon, roasted lamb, or aged sheep’s milk cheese to complement its bold structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a single-vineyard wine?
Yes—the “Horseshoe” is made from a single block in Oakville, chosen for its unique terroir.
2. How long should I cellar the 2018 vintage?
The 2018 is drinking well now but built to age—cellaring through 2035–2040 will reward your patience.
3. What are the critic scores?
James Suckling rated it 94 pts, praising its candied dark fruit, vanilla, licorice, and structure. The Wine Independent averaged 96.
4. Why is it called “Horseshoe”?
The vineyard was literally strewn with horseshoes when planted—preserved in name and spirit.
5. How does it compare with Harbison’s other single blocks?
The Horseshoe is richer and more tannic than “The Trail,” showing deeper fruit and density
