Napa Valley, United States · United States
2018 Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend
Arrow & Branch's 2018 Right Bank Blend brings the structure and aromatic precision of Cabernet Franc to the benchmark Napa vintage — an approachable now, better with two more years of patience.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2018
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2028.
Right now: In 2026, the 2018 Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend is in its early drinking window, with the window having opened in 2025. The wine is approachable but showing the distinctive taut, structured character you expect from a Cabernet Franc-led blend in a vintage as serious as 2018 Napa. The lavender, black tea, and tobacco notes are coming forward on the nose while the midpalate red and black fruit layers are beginning to knit together. This bottle is entering a promising phase, with its peak running from 2028 to 2038 — the coming two to three years of additional cellaring will yield a substantially more expressive experience.
Tasting Note
Deep purple with a violet rim hinting at the Cabernet Franc backbone. The nose layers lavender, black tea, and tobacco over espresso and underbrush, with waves of red and black fruit underneath. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with a seamless texture and excellent balance across fruit, acid, and tannin. The tannins are present but never aggressive — a hallmark of the estate's Right Bank approach — while the finish is long and herb-tinged.
About Arrow & Branch
Arrow & Branch is a small, focused Napa Valley estate drawing inspiration from the Merlot and Cabernet Franc-dominant blends of Bordeaux's Right Bank — an unusual orientation in a valley dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery sources from cooler sites within the Napa AVA, emphasizing whole-cluster techniques and extended elevage in French oak to coax complexity from Cabernet Franc without sacrificing its characteristic aromatic brightness. The Right Bank Blend is the estate's signature bottling, made in small quantities and designed for medium-term cellaring.
Food Pairings
Duck breast with cherry reduction and thyme
Cabernet Franc's herb and red-fruit character finds natural affinity with duck fat and the sweet-tart contrast of a cherry-based sauce.
Lamb merguez with roasted eggplant and harissa
The wine's tobacco and black tea notes bridge the spice of merguez while its medium-full body holds up to the charred richness of eggplant.
Mushroom and gruyere tart with fresh thyme
The earthy, umami-driven mushroom filling and nutty aged cheese amplify the wine's underbrush complexity and complement its seamless mid-palate texture.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 62-64°F (17-18°C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, decant 1-1.5 hours before serving. The wine is in an early window but benefits from moderate aeration to open its layered aromatic profile and soften any remaining tannic grip. As the wine approaches peak from 2028, decanting time can be reduced to 45 minutes as the wine will open more readily.
- Cellar Storage
- 55°F (13°C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
Is the 2018 Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend ready to drink now?
Yes, the window opened in 2025 and the wine is approachable in 2026. That said, the peak window runs from 2028 to 2038, so collectors with patience will be rewarded. If drinking now, plan a 1-1.5 hour decant and give the wine time in the glass.
How long should I decant the 2018 Right Bank Blend?
In 2026, plan for 1-1.5 hours. The wine is structured but not impenetrable, and moderate aeration will bring out the full lavender, tobacco, and dark-fruit aromatic complexity. Closer to its peak window from 2028, 45 minutes will typically be sufficient.
What is the hard decline date for this wine?
The hard decline threshold is projected at 2044, and the peak window closes in 2038. Collectors should target consumption between 2028 and 2038 for the optimal experience, though the wine will still be enjoyable through the early 2040s.
What food pairs best with a Cabernet Franc-led Napa blend?
This wine's aromatic profile of herbs, tea, and fruit — combined with its balanced acidity and medium-full body — pairs exceptionally well with duck, lamb, or mushroom-forward preparations. Rich game birds and braised pork also work beautifully.
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