“A killer effort, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Carter offers that rare, magical mix of opulence, power, elegant, and freshness that you rarely come across, offering a kaleidoscope-like array of crème de cassis, toasted spice, dried violets, blackberries, smoked tobacco, and a distinct sense of minerality, it’s a beast of a wine on the palate that somehow stays beautifully balanced, elegant, and seamless. It’s impossible to resist today yet should cruise for two decades.”
99 points, JebDunnuck.com, June 2020
“The 2018 ‘Carter’ is an utterly fascinating release from Carter Cellars. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a Clone blend of 4 and 7 and Yolo Massal, which were sourced from the best vineyards in Carter’s portfolio. The wine itself instantly impresses with its incredibly pure and fresh aromatics of beautiful ripe blackberries and dark currants that are woven together with sweet Asian spices, graphite, wet gravel and hints of licorice. On the palate this is full-bodied and structured with beautiful round polished tannins that result in a gorgeous voluptuous mouthfeel. This possesses a wonderful elegant character that displays outstanding concentration and volume, with a supple core packed with flavours of fresh dark currants, exotic spices and cocoa nibs that resonate through the finish. This is another simply brilliant wine from Mark Carter that is fantastic today, but will also age gracefully.”
98 points, International Wine Report, March 2021
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Carter is a selection of the best barrels in the cellar. Powerful and yet effusive, the 2018 offers a striking interplay of fruit and soaring floral/spiced aromatics. Raspberry jam, mint, spice, new leather and mocha come together in this sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon from Mark Carter and winemaker Mike Smith.”
96 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Feb 2021
