98 points

"This extraordinary Cab is a sensation. It combines tannic power with ripe blackcurrant and cassis fruit to create a joyous mouthfeel. A blend of grapes from Diamond Mountain, Mount Veeder and Atlas Peak, it shows the concentration of these mountain grapes, but also the balance, elegance and sophistication that En Garde always brings to their wines. The fruit is absolutely delicious, all blackcurrants, blackberry jam and licorice. The oak—100% new—is spectacular, providing the smoke, vanilla and wood tannins that a great young Cabernet needs. All of En Garde’s 2018 Cabs are wonderful, but this one exceeds even the glories of Bijou du Roi and the regular Cab. It has the extra elegance, finesse, voluptuousness and complexity to warrant its high score. I would drink this wine now, with a great steak, and would cellar it for at least a decade." - Steve Heimoff