97 Points - Michael Apstein
91 Points - Wine & Spirits
90 Points - California Grapevine
Winemaker's notes: This wine’s personality was formed through the warm and dry growing season. The grape seeds naturally turned ultra-ripe early, creating an ethereal wine with fine-grain tannins. Acids were higher than in 2013, preserving the wine’s freshness. While our 2014 is not as structured as the 2013, the vintage is very lush and approachable.
Vintage: For the third year in a row, Napa Valley experienced an exceptional vintage, aided by near drought conditions. Budbreak came slightly early and the modest temperatures through the growing season helped preserve moisture. July’s relatively low temperatures, coupled with high relative humidity, slowed down sugar accumulation to achieve perfect ripeness with lower alcohol. Harvest started and ended about two weeks earlier than normal, producing superb quality.
Vineyard: Our Yountville vineyard forms the heart of our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes from our Rutherford and Calistoga vineyards rounding out the blend. We farm all of our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic. The result is a full-bodied, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with pure flavors and a pronounced sense of place.
The Wine: Complex aromas of black fruits, rich leather and nuances of violets burst out of the glass. Its full-bodied, rich mouthfeel carries these flavors for a long, lingering finish that loves a good grilled steak, rack of lamb or roasted duck.
Varietals:
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: September 16-23, 2014
Sugar: 24.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 6.0 g/L
pH: 3.58
Aging: 21 months
Type of oak: French oak barrels; 60% new
Bottling date: June 10, 2016
Release date: July 2017
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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