Arrow & Branch
Right Bank Blend
Napa Valley, United States
2018
Vintage
Varietal
Cabernet Franc
ABV
Where it is, June 2026
Approaching Peak: drinkable, but best years are ahead.
In May 2026, the 2018 Arrow and Branch Right Bank Blend is approaching the heart of its drinking window. The wine entered its drinking window in 2025 and will peak between 2028 and 2038. Eight years from harvest, the primary fruit has begun to integrate with the savory secondary character, and the Cabernet Franc-led structure is softening toward an inviting, expressive texture. This is an excellent moment to explore the wine with 60 to 90 minutes of decanting to allow the lavender and black tea aromatics to fully open and the tannins to soften. Those who wait through the full peak window will be rewarded with even greater complexity and integration.
The ‘18 Right Bank Blend.
A savory, structured Napa Right Bank Blend with lavender, tobacco, and black tea complexity over firm Cabernet Franc-led tannins.
Drinking window
Tasting note
Arrow and Branch produces this Right Bank Blend from Napa Valley estate fruit, with Cabernet Franc leading a blend that draws on the structural principles and aromatic character of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion while remaining distinctly Californian in its fruit ripeness and concentration. The 2018 vintage opens with a deep purple hue that hints at the wine's density and depth. On the nose, lavender and black tea provide an immediate aromatic elegance, followed by tobacco, espresso, and a savory underbrush character that adds complexity and prevents the wine from reading as fruit-forward alone. The red and black fruit layers emerge from beneath: dark plum, blackberry, and a thread of fresh blue fruit that gives the wine freshness alongside its savory depth. On the palate the wine is seamless and medium to full-bodied with excellent balance across the tannins, acidity, and fruit concentration. The tannins are firm and structured, reflecting the Cabernet Franc character of the blend, while the acidity is bright and focused. The finish carries the savory notes forward alongside a persistent dark fruit echo, with the tobacco and black tea lingering through the conclusion. A wine that rewards contemplation and improves significantly with decanting.
The 2018 vintage
The 2018 growing season in Napa Valley was a recovery from the disruptions of 2017 and produced wines of excellent quality, concentration, and balance. Moderate temperatures during the growing season and a largely fire-free harvest allowed fruit to ripen evenly across the valley. For Cabernet Franc-based blends like Arrow and Branch's Right Bank, the 2018 conditions produced grapes with the firm structure and aromatic precision that the variety demands, combined with the fruit richness that Napa's warm climate provides. The vintage is widely regarded as one of the stronger Napa years of the late 2010s.
About Arrow & Branch
Arrow and Branch is a small Napa Valley producer focused on crafting Cabernet Franc-led Right Bank style blends that draw inspiration from the great estates of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion while expressing Napa Valley's distinctive terroir. The estate's approach emphasizes structural elegance, aromatic complexity, and wines that reward extended cellaring rather than immediate fruit-forward gratification. The Right Bank Blend represents the heart of the producer's winemaking philosophy, combining Cabernet Franc's structural precision with the additional depth and roundness provided by supporting varieties.
From the cellar: pair with
Duck magret with cherry and herb reduction
The wine's Cabernet Franc-led savory complexity and firm tannins are a classic match for duck, while the cherry reduction mirrors the wine's dark fruit core.
Braised short rib with mushroom and truffle jus
The earthy underbrush and espresso notes in the wine align naturally with the deep, umami character of braised beef and earthy mushroom.
Aged Comté or hard mountain cheese
The wine's firm tannic structure and savoury finish stand up beautifully to the nutty, crystalline richness of aged hard cheese.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 16 to 18 degrees C (61 to 64 degrees F)
- Decanting
- Decant 60 to 90 minutes before serving to allow the savory aromatics to open and the tannins to soften.
- Cellar Storage
- 12 to 14 degrees C (54 to 57 degrees F)
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
More from Napa Valley, United States
Frequently Asked
What grapes are in the Arrow and Branch Right Bank Blend?
Cabernet Franc leads the blend in a style inspired by Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, with supporting varieties adding depth and roundness to the Franc framework.
When is the best time to drink the 2018 vintage?
The peak drinking window is 2028 through 2038, though the wine is already drinking well in 2026 with proper decanting.
Does this wine need decanting?
Yes. A minimum of 60 minutes and ideally 90 minutes of decanting will allow the savory aromatic complexity to fully express and the tannins to soften.
How long can I cellar this wine?
The hard decline is projected around 2044, giving the wine nearly two decades of cellaring potential from today.