18 Cabernet
Napa craft and South American value, poured in Commack since the start.
The story behind 18
The 18 name means something specific in Napa Valley. Stu Lerner and winemaker Russell Bevan built Project 18 around one goal: a pedigreed Oakville Cabernet under $100. The fruit comes from a block inside Tench Vineyard, a cattle ranch since 1965, blended with mountain fruit from Sugarloaf. The blend runs about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 100% new French oak. That is where the number comes from.
The 18 label on our shelves also covers Terra Bendita's Chilean Cabernet from the Central Valley, fermented in stainless steel for clean black fruit at a value price. Two very different wines, one name. We have poured both for years and we will tell you which is which before you leave the store.
Explore the 18 range
Two expressions of 18 Cabernet reach our shelves: the everyday Chilean bottling and the Reserve, both built on dark fruit and smooth tannin.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL | Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon | About 27 proof | Blackberry and cassis, soft tannin, stainless fermented, ready now |
| 18 Cabernet Reserve 750mL | Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | About 27 to 28 proof | Deeper fruit, baking spice, fuller body, smooth finish |
| 18 Malbec Reserve 750mL | Reserve Malbec | About 27 to 28 proof | Plum and violet, round mid palate, same value tier |
| 18 Pinot Noir Reserve 750mL | Reserve Pinot Noir | About 26 to 27 proof | Red cherry, light oak, soft acid, serve slightly cool |
| 18 Sauvignon Blanc 750mL | White, Sauvignon Blanc | About 25 proof | Citrus and green apple, crisp finish, serve well chilled |
| 18 Pinot Grigio 750mL | White, Pinot Grigio | About 25 proof | Pear and lemon, light body, easy aperitif pour |
Which 18 is right for you?
The 18 Cabernet Sauvignon runs $7.99 for a 750mL, and the 18 Cabernet Reserve is $11.99. That is the honest math of a value brand from Chile: clean fruit, no heavy oak bill, no markup for a story. The Reserve buys you more depth for four dollars more. Both sell out and restock on their own schedule, so call (631) 343-7200 or check the shelf before you drive over. If you want to buy 18 Cabernet online, the listing tells you what is in stock today.
Cheap enough to open on a Tuesday with a grilled ribeye.
More fruit and body for four dollars more, still an easy pour.
Plum and violet weight that stands up to lamb off the grill.