TASTING NOTE:
An opaque colour, cassis and bright red fruit nose, this is more structured than the Alexander Valley from the same vintage. It has more mouth-coating density and a longer finish, but right now it’s less layered and complex. Using less new oak is really a plus for this wine as well as the increased amount of Cabernet Franc.
-Decanter, 93 pts
Distinctive, with lots of singed sage, sassafras, black tea and bay leaf notes out front, giving this aromatic distinction while the core of gently mulled plum, black cherry and raspberry fruit is carried by lightly dusty tannins. Shows a lingering perfume of singed alder at the very end. Best from 2020 through 2032.
-Wine Spectator, 92 pts
WINEMAKER'S NOTE:
The 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has an opaque crimson color with a purplish hue. The alluring nose draws you in with notes of cassis, black cherry, pipe tobacco, salted caramel, cocoa beans, and fresh strawberry. This full-bodied wine enters with a depth of flavor and offers mouth-coating, velvety tannins, and flavors of cream soda and red fruit. Black currant and vanilla notes crescendo through the palate to the lengthy finish. This wine is drinkable upon release, but given proper cellaring conditions can be enjoyed through 2040.
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.6% Merlot, 6.7% Cabernet Franc, 2.1% Petit Verdot, 1.6% Malbec
