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
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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