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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Mon, Jul 20, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2014 and 2014
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Accendo Cellars |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$215 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2017): Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon gives a deep garnet-purple color and leaps from the glass with notes of warm black currants and red currants preserves plus touches of sandalwood, cigar box, spice box, licorice and menthol and the faintest hints of forest floor and potpourri. Medium-bodied with a fantastic intensity of red and black fruits and accented with pepper, spice and earthy notions, it has a firm, chewy backbone and great freshness, finishing with lingering mineral notes.
VM 95 (3/2018): A wine of precision, nuance and tension, Accendo's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon continues to grow in bottle. There is a sense of translucent vibrancy in the 2014 that is especially admirable. Red and purplish-toned fruit, lavender, mint and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated, but it is the wine's shape and drive that I find most alluring today. This is a fabulous showing. Antonio Galloni.
JS 92 (5/2018): Very nicely balanced with ultra-fine tannins and a medium to full body. Fresh and very clean. It shows a very pretty flavors of terracotta and dark berries. Polished and refined. Drink after 2020. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2014 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
2 |
|
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JD 98 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is the star of the show and is a sensational wine at every level. Possessing incredible opulence and purity, as well as full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, and a huge mid-palate, it offers a kaleidoscope of crème de cassis, blueberries, smoked tobacco, white chocolate, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Made in a fat, seductive style, it nevertheless is elegant and silky, with ripe tannin, perfect balance and a great, great finish. It’s one of the gems in this vintage and will keep for another 2-3 decades.
WA 96+ (10/2016): The fourth Beckstoffer vineyard-sourced wine is the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard. As I’ve said many times throughout this report, this is one of my favorite sites in Napa. There is something Haut Brion or La Mission Haut Brion-ish in this wine due to the wet gravel, stony minerality that it possesses. The 2014 from Alpha Omega has enormous graphite notes intermixed with blackberry liqueur, blueberry fruit as well as black raspberry and cassis. It is opaque purple and full-bodied, with a multidimensional personality and killer finish of close to one minute. This wine should go on for another 30 or more years.
VM 91 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer - Dr. Crane is one of the most overt wines in this range. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, mint, pine and rose peal develop in the glass. Bright in its aromatics, but with plenty of ripe, candied overtones, the Dr. Crane is another wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Dr. Crane has a terrific sense of immediacy to it, but in my view, even more is possible here. The 2014 tastes like it was picked a bit later than optimal. (Drink between 2017-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Petit Verdot Cabernet Franc Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
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2014 |
Petit Verdot Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
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|
|
2014 |
X Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
2 |
|
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| Amici Cellars |
2014 |
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vyd Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2016): From the Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville, Amici has turned out two gorgeous wines. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Missouri Hopper Vineyard has loads of chocolaty cassis fruit, underlying forest floor, loamy soil notes, medium to full body, light tannin, low acidity and a plush, well-textured, pure finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years. |
|
| Aperture |
2014 |
Oliver’s Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (3/2017): Deep garnet purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliver's Vineyard offers intense notes of ripe black currants, warm plums, blackberry preserves and cigar boxes with hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Full-bodied with wonderful concentration in the mouth, the generous blackcurrant and spice flavors are supported by firm ripe tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and layered. Still very useful, give this one another 5 to 7 years in the cellar and enjoy over the next 10 to 15 years. |
|
| Arietta |
2014 |
88 Keys Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2018): Mocha, chocolate, plum, blackberry jam, black cherry and leather infuse Arietta's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Keys. Plush and textured, the 2014 exudes depth in a racy, voluptuous style with soft contours and tons of fruit. At times, the 2014 is a touch alcoholic, but the wine has also just been bottled. If experience has taught me anything, it is that the Arietta wines almost always need quite a bit of time post-bottling to show at their best. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Aubert |
2014 |
CIX Pinot Noir |
$139 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): Made entirely from a clone from the most famous vineyard in Burgundy, the 2014 Cix offers crisp acid, loads of black raspberry, forest floor and blueberry fruit, and tremendous density, richness, and intensity. (It’s interesting to note that these 2014s are all in bottle while the Chardonnays are still in tank awaiting bottling.) This is a wine with great fruit, terrific acids and a long finish. It should evolve for 10 or more years. |
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2014 |
Ritchie Vyd. Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (2/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Ritchie Vineyard is bright, focused and nuanced throughout, with plenty of supporting acidity to balance the intensity of the fruit. Sweet dark cherry, lavender and cloves are all pushed forward. This is an especially linear, energetic Ritchie Pinot with everything in the right place. The Ritchie is also the most structured of these Pinots, although there is plenty of the richness that Mark Aubert coaxes from his vineyard sites. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2014 |
UV Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2015): As for the 2014 Pinot Noir UV, this wine comes two-thirds from the Calera clone of Pinot Noir and the rest from a Vosne-Romanee clone (which we all know, but no one’s saying, probably emanated from the famous Domaine de la Romanee Conti estate). Lots of soft strawberry, sweet cherry and blueberry notes emerge from this wine, giving it a Côte de Nuits-like character. Slightly lighter than the Ritchie, feminine, fragrant, and beautifully round and juicy, this wine should drink well young and last ten or more years.
VM 92 (2/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard has a lovely immediacy, but it also comes across as ample and at times a bit heavy. Then again, this site is rich in clay, which tends to confer breadth. Dark red cherry, plum, leather, mint and spices meld into the powerful, resonant finish. This supple, engaging Pinot will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. UV is planted with a mix of Calera and Vosne-Romanee clones. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| L' Aventure |
2014 |
Estate Cuvee Proprietary Blend |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2016): A massive, gorgeously rich and decadent version of this cuvee, the 2014 Estate Cuvee (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 15% Petit Verdot) is reminiscent of a 2005 Pomerol with its huge bouquet of cassis, toasted spice, graphite, damp earth and leafy herb aromas and flavors. Thick, full-bodied, unctuous and palate-saturating, yet still with purity and grace, it's an insanely good Bordeaux blend (or close) from Paso Robles that will have two decades of overall longevity.
VM 94 (9/2016): Glass-staining ruby. Assertively perfumed aromas of dark berry preserves, Asian spices and candied rose develop a vibrant mineral quality in the glass. Spicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering concentrated red and black currant, cherry and floral pastille flavors of outstanding clarity and power. Closes sappy, spicy and extremely long, with velvety tannins adding shape and gentle grip. (Drink between 2020-2026). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| B Cellars |
2014 |
Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2014 |
Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Signs of Old Seepage |
$109 |
1 |
|
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| Beau Vigne |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Tissue-Stained Label |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2016): Probably the most backward of all the wines, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve certainly has its own charm, but it does show more oak tannin. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and at 213 cases, one of their smallest cuvées. This dense purple wine seems more restrained and muted compared to its siblings. It is impressively concentrated and deep, but more of a long distance runner, at least out of the gate. I would put this one away for 2-4 years and drink it over the following two decades. |
|
| Becklyn Cellars |
2014 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
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| |
|
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2014 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$80.75 |
1 |
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|
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2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2016): A delicious, opulent fruit-driven 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibits notes of roasted coffee, underbrush, blackcurrant, a touch of lead pencil shavings, earth and background oak. It is medium to full-bodied and best drunk over the next 10-12 years. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2014 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2017): Possessing the highest percentage of Merlot ever for the cuvee (at least until the 2015), the 2014 Clos de Betz is 71% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot that’s just under half from Red Mountain fruit and the rest from Columbia Valley sites. Notes of cassis, licorice, damp herbs, chocolate and earth all flow to a medium to full-bodied, supple, elegant and incredibly polished 2014 that needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for 10-15 years.
JD 95 (4/2018): Including the highest percentage of Merlot ever, the 2014 Clos de Betz checks in as 71% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Petit Verdot. It offers a beautiful bouquet of cassis, licorice, violets, and earthy, herbal notes as well as a medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant style on the palate. It’s tight and closed, yet has remarkable purity and depth. Give bottles 2-3 years of bottle age.
VM 94 (11/2016): Bright, dark red-ruby. Alluring floral lift to the aromas of blackberry, cassis, Bing cherry, sweet spices and anise. Sweet, plush wine with great sex appeal to its intense, pliant flavors of amarena cherry, flint and spicy oak. Really remarkable--and not at all stewed--for Merlot from a hot year; Betz noted that he picked these vines early, "with tension and vitality." Finishes very long and smooth, with suave, perfectly supported tannins dusting the front teeth. A great, velvety Merlot-based wine from Washington. Betz adds some Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot to wine "to provide more structure, nuance and color." (Drink between 2018-2026). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2014 |
Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
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WA 97+ (6/2017): My note for the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart of the Hill started, and ended, with a big “Wow.” Unfortunately, there’s a scant ten barrels to go around, but it boasts a sensational bouquet of graphite, crushed rocks, black and blue fruits and lead pencil shavings that just scream Red Mountain. With full-bodied richness, building tannin, a stacked mid-palate and blockbuster finish, it needs to be forgotten for at least 5-7 years.
JD 95+ (7/2022): The first vintage for this cuvée, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart Of The Hill comes from a mix of Clone 8 and Clone 2 and was vinified in concrete and aged mostly in new barrels. It's a big, blockbuster beauty offering tons of blue fruits as well as spicy, graphite, and chalky mineral-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, it has lots of tannins, good mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It certainly brings the fruit today, but it needs another couple of years for the tannins to soften and will cruise for another two decades as well. (Drink between 2024-2044).
VM 91+ (11/2016): Aromas of musky red and darker berries, black plum, dark chocolate, smoky minerality and dried herbs. Broad, glossy and sweet but with less early complexity to its dark berry and licorice flavors than the Cuvée Frangin. This more structured, youthful wine finishes with rather chewy, strong, tongue-dusting tannins. (Drink between 2019-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2014 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (10/2015): Another wine that could easily end up being rated close to perfect is the 2014 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc. This is an amazingly complex wine already, with forest floor, violets, blueberries and blackberries. It is stunningly rich, with a concentrated, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel.
VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Red Wine EE Tench Vineyard is surprisingly seamless and open-knit for such a young wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, licorice, mocha and chocolate fill out the wine's supple, inviting frame effortlessly. Best of all, the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
McGah Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$165 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2016): From Rutherford comes the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard. It is a small cuvée of 125 cases. Dense purple to the rim with notes of blackberry, cassis, white flowers, cedar wood and smoky barbecue, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, fleshy and showing extremely well already. This wine will continue to offer considerable pleasure for another 15 or more years. |
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2014 |
Ontogeny Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
4 |
|
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| WA 96 (10/2016): There are 700 cases of the 2014 Ontogeny Proprietary Red, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Totally dry, even though there is a wonderful sucrosity to the fruit. The wine has stunning blackberry and cassis notes, spring flowers, supple tannins and a long, multidimensional mouthfeel. It is a sexy beast for sure and best drunk over the next 15 or so years. |
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2014 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$250 |
2 |
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WA 99 (10/2016): Another nearly perfect wine is the 125-case cuvee of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vixen Block. This is Stags Leap, owned by former Screaming Eagle Vineyard owner and realtor Jean Phillips. A stunning floral nose intermixed with blackcurrant, black cherry, licorice and gravel is followed by a long, multidimensional wine with terrific blue and black fruits, loads of glycerin, sweet tannin and a stunning finish of more than a minute. This is spectacular stuff. Drink it over the next 20 years.
VM 94+ (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the most bold, racy wines in the lineup this year. Intensely aromatic, layered and exquisite, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is a classic Stags Leap Cabernet long on class and intensity. The 2014 still needs time to come together, but it is impressive today. Red and purplish-hued fruits, wild flowers, mint and sage build into the super-expressive finish. Russell Bevan gets virtually all of the fruit of Wildfoote, a property owned by Jean Phillips. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Blankiet |
2014 |
Prince of Hearts Proprietary Blend |
$80.75 |
1 |
|
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| VM 91 (12/2016): The 2014 Prince of Hearts is fabulous. Soft, open-knit and expressive, the Prince of Hearts is one of the more gracious wines readers will find in this vintage. Expressive floral and red-toned fruit notes give the 2014 its feminine, sensual personality. This is one of the finest Napa Valley wines readers will find in its price range. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Booker Vineyard |
2014 |
Tempranillo |
$95 |
1 |
|
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| WA 97-99 (8/2016): Possibly one of the greatest expressions of this variety yet from the US, the inky colored 2014 Tempranillo offers classic notes of smoked black plums, cedary spice, charred meats and chalky minerality, with more and more floral notes emerging with time in the glass. Big, full-bodied and tannic, forget it for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
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2014 |
Estate 24 Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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| WA 94-96 (8/2016): The 2014 Estate Ext 24 is the, you guessed it, the extended aged version of the Estate cuvee. This was previously called the Alchemist and in 2014 is made from 51% Tempranillo, 28% Syrah, 13% Petit Verdot and 8% Grenache. Getting a few expletives in my rough notes, this beauty sports a deep purple color as well as thrilling aromatics, full-bodied richness, building, firm tannin and straight up awesome purity. The Tempranillo structure is front and center, so I suspect short term cellaring will be the name of the game. |
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2014 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (8/2016): Tasted out of bottle and a blend of 51% Tempranillo, 28% Syrah, 13% Petit Verdot and 8% Grenache, the 2014 Booker Estate is about as silky and seamless as they get. Sporting a vibrant purple/ruby color and vibrant notes of creme de cassis, jammy blackberries, melted licorice, spice and toasty oak, this full-bodied red glides across the palate with no weight, beautiful purity and shows building, chalky tannin on the palate. Drink this impeccably made Paso Robles beauty anytime over the coming 7-8 years. |
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2014 |
Fracture Syrah |
$85 |
1 |
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| VM 95 (9/2016): Dark purple. A heady, assertively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, sandalwood, Indian spices and smoky minerals, and a suave floral pastille topnote builds in the glass. Deeply concentrated yet lively blackberry and boysenberry flavors unfold slowly, picking up allspice, black cardamom and cola nuances on the back half. Shows Outstanding clarity and power on the sweet, supple finish, which is given shape by smooth, steadily building tannins. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, but it's awfully delicious right now. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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WA 95 (8/2016): First made last year, the 2014 Fulldraw checks in as a mix of 46% Syrah, 33% Grenache and 21% Mourvedre that was raised mostly in barrel. Its inky purple color is followed by a rockin', sweet, layered bouquet of creme de cassis, black plums, vanilla bean, licorice and cured meats. A classic Paso Robles GSM blend, with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, tons of sweet fruit and beautiful purity, it benefits from a decant and will shine for upwards of a decade.
VM 94 (9/2016): Bright violet. Ripe red and blue fruits, candied lavender, incense and a hint of spicecake on the highly fragrant nose. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering intense black currant and bitter cherry flavors that deepen and become sweeter with air. Shows impressive depth and vivacity, with no rough edges. The spice and floral notes come back strong on the strikingly persistent, seamless finish, which features smooth, harmonious tannins and a lingering suggestion of sappy red fruit. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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| WA 97-99 (8/2016): Hold onto your hats with this one, the 2014 My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend will see 24 months in barrel, and there will only be a single cuvee in 2014. This insanely good barrel sample gives up serious, inky, yet pure notes of violets, licorice, black raspberries, creme de cassis and graphite to go with building tannin, a stacked mid-palate and blockbuster length. I'd like to have a case of it in the cellar. |
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2014 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$74 |
1 |
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| VM 93 (9/2016): Deep ruby. Intensely perfumed cherry compote, licorice and spicecake aromas open up with air and pick up suggestions of floral pastilles and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with lively, spice-tinged black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors lifted by a vibrant mineral element. At once concentrated and lithe, finishing with powerful thrust, youthful tannins and very persistent spice and mineral qualities. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Ripper Grenache |
$89 |
1 |
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| VM 94 (9/2016): Saturated ruby. High-pitched, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries and candied flowers show Outstanding clarity. Smooth, sweet and energetic in style, offering juicy black raspberry and lavender pastille flavors complicated by an exotic Asian spice nuance. The sappy, focused finish is given shape by supple, harmonious tannins that build slowly. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
RLF Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
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| VM 92 (9/2016): Brilliant ruby-red. Bright, intensely perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices and potpourri are energized by a vibrant mineral flourish. Fresh and incisive, displaying deeply concentrated raspberry and bitter cherry flavors along with suggestions of candied rose and star anise. The floral and mineral qualities return on the long, penetrating finish, which features silky tannins and a hint of cola. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Vertigo 24 Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
1 |
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| WA 95-97 (8/2016): Another blockbuster barrel sample is the 2014 GSM Vertigo EXT, which is 68% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre and the rest Grenache (there's less Grenache than normal in the 2014). Violets, cassis, licorice and black raspberries all flow to a rich, concentrated blend that's much more supple, rounded and forward than the 2015, while still showing plenty of grip and focus. |
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2014 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| WA 95+ (8/2016): A big, rich, structured effort, the 2014 GSM Vertigo is 68% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre and 6% Grenache. Sporting a saturated purple color, it offers fabulous notes of cassis, blackberries, crushed rock, licorice and dried Provencal herbs (lavender, thyme) in a full-bodied, rich package. One of the more tannic wines from Eric, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will have a decade or more of longevity. |
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| Bougetz Cellars |
2014 |
Amaryllis Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
3 |
|
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| WA 95+ (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Amaryllis, a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, comes from Spring Mountain. The wine has an opaque bluish/purple color, a stunning blueberry and blackberry richness with background floral notes. It is concentrated and full-bodied with extravagant fruit hiding moderate levels of tannin. This is a wine of terrific purity and richness, and that $62.00 price is possibly one of the great values in world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This wine is going to go the distance and evolve over 15-20+ years time. Anyone lucky enough to latch onto a bottle should go deep in terms of purchasing – it’s that good. Drink it now, or drink it in 20 years. |
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| Buccella |
2014 |
Cuvee Katrina Eileen Cabernet Sauvignon |
$191.25 |
1 |
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| Cadence |
2014 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
3 |
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| WA 96 (6/2018): The 2014 Bel Canto is also showing very well indeed with a few years of bottle age, opening in the decanter and glass with notes of cassis, cigar wrapper, loamy soil, pencil shavings and black truffle. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and deep, with beautifully suave structuring tannins and a deep core of concentrated fruit. The finish is long, complex and finely delineated. While this elegant, Bordelais-styled blend is already drinking well, I suspect it still has two decades of life and evolution ahead of it. |
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2014 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$119 |
1 |
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| WA 96 (6/2018): The 2014 Bel Canto is also showing very well indeed with a few years of bottle age, opening in the decanter and glass with notes of cassis, cigar wrapper, loamy soil, pencil shavings and black truffle. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and deep, with beautifully suave structuring tannins and a deep core of concentrated fruit. The finish is long, complex and finely delineated. While this elegant, Bordelais-styled blend is already drinking well, I suspect it still has two decades of life and evolution ahead of it. |
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2014 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
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| WA 94 (6/2017): I loved the 2014 Camerata, and this Red Mountain blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc is a blockbuster that readers should snatch up. Mulled currants, baking spice, dried earth and dried flower notes all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously pure and seamless red that has building tannin and a great, great finish. Give bottles 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following two decades. |
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2014 |
Ciel du Cheval Vyd. Red |
$35 |
3 |
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| WA 94 (6/2018): The 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard offers up attractive aromas of cigar box, cassis fruit, loamy soil and espresso roast. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with a juicy core of fruit and powdery structuring tannins that still need some time in the cellar to resolve. Beautifully balanced and incipiently complex, this should evolve for a long time to come. It's a blend of 33% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. |
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2014 |
Tapteil Vyd. Red (1.5 L) |
$80 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (6/2018): The 2014 Tapteil Vineyard is showing well, wafting from the glass with classy and complex aromas of cassis, loamy soil, pencil shavings and cigar box. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and elegant, with a lovely core of earth-inflected fruit and fine-grained structuring tannins. It's a beautifully balanced blend with a decidedly Bordelais aesthetic. |
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| Calera |
2014 |
Jensen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
6 |
|
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| WA 95-97 (12/2016): Even inkier-colored than the Sabarotte, the 2015 Cornas les Eygats is another single vineyard release that comes from a site located on the northern edge of the appellation. Aged in 50% new French oak (the balance is in once-used barrels), it offers sensational notes of plums, blueberries, crushed violets, pen ink and barbecue smoke in an utterly profound, decadent, layered, heavenly profile. There's ample tannin here, but they're sweet and polished, and it has an awesome finish. Don't miss it! |
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| Cardinale |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
1 |
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| Carlisle |
2014 |
Sierra Mar Vyd. Syrah |
$50 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95 (9/2016): Even better, the 2014 Syrah Sierra Mar Vineyard might be the top Syrah out of this vineyard. Also inky and glass-staining, it offers killer notes of caramelized plums, smoked meats, licorice, cassis and pepper in a full-bodied, ultra-pure, elegant package. I love its mid-palate and this total blockbuster will knock your socks off over the coming decade or longer.
VM 92 (3/2017): The 2014 Syrah Sierra Mar Vineyard, from the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands, shows a much denser and more powerful expression of the appellation. Black fruit, licorice, cloves and leather are pushed forward. There is no shortage of depth, but today, the Sierra Mar is a bit monolithic. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Caymus |
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has a dense opaque purple color, a kiss of blackberry and cassis fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel with ripe tannin and a long finish. It is very Caymus in its immediate accessibility, but has plenty of staying power and depth. This is lush, full, intense and pure. Drink it over the next 15 or so years.
JS 88 (5/2017): Lots of raisin character with berry and vanilla flavors. Full-bodied, slightly fluid and a fruity and off-dry on the finish. Not my style but some may like it. Drink now. |
|
| Cayuse |
2014 |
The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Chappellet |
2014 |
Merlot |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Napa Valley Zinfandel |
$24 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Cobb |
2014 |
Diane Cobb Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard is precise and nuanced, with striking aromatic complexity to play off the dark red cherry fruit. The 50% whole clusters are not especially evident. Medium in body, gracious and lifted, the 2014 has a lot to offer. Cedar, tobacco, dried herbs and dried cherry notes are laced together in this attractive, mid-weight Pinot, with clean, saline notes that support the long, super-expressive finish. (Drink between 2020-2029). Antonio Galloni.
WA 89 (11/2020): The 2014 Pinot Noir Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard opens with tar, scorched earth and rubber aromas obscuring a core of blackberry fruits. The medium-bodied palate is firm and somewhat rustic. Time to drink up. |
|
| Constant |
2014 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Syrah |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Corliss |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 96 (4/2018): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 28 months in French oak, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is slightly more expensive than the Red Wine blend but certainly delivers. It too is saturated purple in color and offers awesome notes of crème de cassis, graphite, wet stone, and chocolate. With perfectly integrated oak, a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, and high yet ripe, tannin, it's a blockbuster Cabernet Sauvignon that's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. (Drink between 2020-2040).
VM 92 (1/2024): Mocha, clove and sage form a dark and imposing bouquet as the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds in the glass. Velvety yet cool-toned in feel, the 2014 shows a core of succulent ripe blackberries and sweet spice, while tobacco tones form toward the close. This finishes tannic and crunchy in feel, showing a hint of its alcohol as a bitter tinge slowly fades. (Drink between 2026-2036). Eric Guido.
WA 87 (6/2018): Deeper and darker in profile than the Red Wine, the 2014 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reveals aromas of dark berries and berry liqueur, as well as a generous framing of new oak. On the palate, it's full-bodied, rich and overripe, with heady alcohol, low acidity and a drying, somewhat stewed finish. I wouldn't count on it improving in bottle. |
|
| G.B. Crane |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (6/2018): Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon G.B. Crane Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color and scented of cassis, black cherries and warm plums with touches of pencil shavings, wood smoke, fertile soil and yeast extract with a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness with intense flavors, finishing long. 299 cases produced.
VM 90 (4/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Forward, fruity and open-knit, the 2014 is best enjoyed over the near and medium term. There is plenty of presence, but the 2014 is also clearly a work in progress for Crane Assembly. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2014 |
Mad Hatter Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2014 |
Merlot |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (10/2017): Bright ruby-red. Inviting scents of cassis, pomegranate, spices, menthol and licorice. Densely packed, plush and ripe but showing less easy sweetness than the Doyenne Red Wine that preceded it in my tasting. A tangy cranberry flavor is accented by a hint of slatey minerality, which combines with the wine's firm but suave tannins to give it a serious spine for aging. Here's a Merlot that needs no Cabernet for structure. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 91 (6/2017): Slightly less structured and concentrated from bottle than from barrel, the 2014 Merlot is a supple, elegant effort that has beautiful cassis, lead pencil, chocolate and hints of herbs in its full-bodied, charming, textured personality. It's impeccably balanced and has light, sweet tannin that show on the finish. While it's already drinking beautifully, I suspect it will continue to shine for a decade given its overall balance and purity. |
|
|
2014 |
Chaleur Estate |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2017): A more open, charming and sexy red compared to the 2013, Delille's 2014 Chaleur Estate comes all from Red Mountain and is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. Aged 20 months in new French oak, this beauty offers a gorgeous bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chocolate and espresso roast. Reminding me of a first or second growth Pauillac from a warm year, with more mineral, tobacco and earth coming through with air, this full-bodied, impeccably balanced 2014 has sweet tannin, nicely integrated acidity and a good finish. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
VM 94 (10/2017): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of blueberry, plum, cocoa powder and violet are lifted by sexy spicy oak. Very rich, large-scaled and densely packed, boasting outstanding breadth to its flavors of currant, chocolate, anise and brown spices. Classically dry, very deep wine with an intriguing salinity and outstanding chocolatey length. As with a couple of the other DeLille wines from Bordeaux varieties, this one is complicated by captivating Christmas spices. (Drink between 2019-2026). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
D2 |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (6/2017): The ruby-colored 2014 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is the entry-level Bordeaux blend of the estate and is named after the D2 highway in Bordeaux. It's a soft, voluptuous, medium-bodied effort that offers loads of currants, black cherries, strawberries and leafy herb aromas and flavors. It's already hard to resist, yet there's quality tannin hiding under its fruit, and I suspect it will surprise you with its longevity.
VM 92 (10/2017): Bright ruby. Pungent fruit-driven aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and blackberry. Plush and seamless on the palate, with blackberry and blueberry flavors complicated by a savory dried-berry note that I associate with Red Willow vineyard. Wonderfully pliant from the start, this beauty finishes very long and suave, with utterly smooth tannins. Great fruit here! Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
D2 Slightly Depressed Cork |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (6/2017): The ruby-colored 2014 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is the entry-level Bordeaux blend of the estate and is named after the D2 highway in Bordeaux. It's a soft, voluptuous, medium-bodied effort that offers loads of currants, black cherries, strawberries and leafy herb aromas and flavors. It's already hard to resist, yet there's quality tannin hiding under its fruit, and I suspect it will surprise you with its longevity.
VM 92 (10/2017): Bright ruby. Pungent fruit-driven aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and blackberry. Plush and seamless on the palate, with blackberry and blueberry flavors complicated by a savory dried-berry note that I associate with Red Willow vineyard. Wonderfully pliant from the start, this beauty finishes very long and suave, with utterly smooth tannins. Great fruit here! Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Doyenne Slightly Depressed Cork |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (10/2017): Bright, dark medium ruby. Captivating lavender and underbrush complexity to the aroma of blackberry. A ripe, sweet bomb of raspberry and blackberry fruit, lifted by a peppery quality and complicated by a note of olive tapenade. Plush, broad, utterly seamless blend with terrific concentration and persistence. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (6/2017): Previously labeled as the Doyenne Aix, the name has been changed to simply Doyenne in 2014. The 2014 Doyenne is the classic blend of equal parts Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that's brought up in barrel. It has a great nose of toasted spice, black raspberries, currants, lavender and cedar. This gives way to a rounded, sexy, voluptuous and hedonistic red that has moderate acidity, medium to full-bodied richness and a great texture. Drink this sexy red anytime over the coming 7-8 years. |
|
|
2014 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2017): Much less tannic from bottle than from barrel, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags comes from four different vineyards on Red Mountain: Grand Ciel (42%), Upchurch (31%), Ciel du Cheval (19%) and Klipsun (8%). It shows the vintage's more forward, charming style with its full-bodied, rich, textured style, yet it firms up considerably on the finish. Possessing lots of graphite, toasted spice, currants and black raspberry aromatics, I love its purity and balance. It's best today with a decant, but it should be in its finest from 2020-2034.
VM 92+ (10/2017): Bright ruby-red. Precise aromas of cassis, violet, licorice and wild herbs convey a hint of positive greenness. Plush and sweet, if not with quite the definition of the Shaw Cabernet. In a more savory, less fruity style with lovely spicy, herbal lift and subtle sweetness, but this very youthful, backward wine needs time. Less hedonistic than the Shaw, especially as its tannins build with aeration. (Drink between 2020-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Grand Ciel Syrah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (10/2017): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and menthol verge on porty. Fatter and sweeter than the Signature Syrah; less penetratingly fruity but this chocolatey-rich wine benefits from a captivating note of cardamom and harmonious acidity. The exotic spice character carries through the sweet, very long finish, which features serious but plush tannins. This clone (Entave clone 383) ripens a bit later but retains acidity well, notes Upchurch. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 91+ (6/2017): Sporting a deeper, more purple and opaque color than the Signature Syrah, the 2014 Syrah Grand Ciel is a single vineyard cuvee that's 100% Red Mountain Syrah, all from a single clone, aged in barrel. It offers impressive notes of black fruits, espresso roast, cured meats and tapenade. These flow to a full-bodied, nicely concentrated Syrah that's nicely balanced, has good mid-palate density, plenty of texture and a good, yet surprisingly short finish for this cuvee. It's enjoyable today, yet I'd hold bottles for a year or two and hope it develops more length. |
|
|
2014 |
Metier Red Blend |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2016): Moderately saturated medium red-ruby. Cherry and flowers on the nose, plus some suggestions of exotic fruits. Suave, creamy and complex. offering impressive palate presence to the flavors of purple fruits, violet, tree bark and pungent pepper. The small Cinsault component helped to lower this wine's alcohol level, noted winemaker Chris Upchurch, but it's still a lofty 15.3%. Finishes with very suave tannins, lovely balance and excellent length. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (6/2017): A final blend of 40% Mourvedre, 37% Grenache, 19% Syrah and the balance Cinsault, the 2014 Metier is beautiful, with a voluptuous, rich yet still graceful and lively style. Offering up lots of raspberry, spice, herbes de Provence and licorice aromatics, this medium to full-bodied beauty is impeccably balanced, has no hard edges and a great finish. I'd happily drink bottles over the coming 6-7 years, and I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it keep longer. |
|
|
2014 |
Quintessence Vyd. Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2017): I loved the 2014 Quintessence Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon (68% Malbec and 32% Cabernet Sauvignon) from barrel, and it certainly didn't disappoint from bottle. Sporting a deep purple color as well as fabulous notes of cassis, blueberries, tobacco leaf and incense, it's a full-bodied, voluptuous, seamless, downright sexy beauty that's already impossible to resist. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. It's one of the best Malbecs from Washington.
VM 92+ (10/2017): Bright ruby. Alluring high-pitched aromas of black cherry, blackberry, lavender, licorice and sage. Sweet, juicy and concentrated but tightly wound and backward in the context of this collection. The dried berry flavor is accented by spicy oak and supported by a firm spine of dusty tannins. Finishes juicy, firm and long, with a note of vanilla bean. Very Cabernet in its structure, and in need of cellaring. (Drink between 2020-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Signature Syrah |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (10/2017): Bright medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of raspberry, violet and game, plus a touch of lead pencil that probably comes from Ciel du Cheval. A plush, generous blueberry and raspberry fruit bomb, perfectly energized by harmonious acidity and high notes of flowers and blood orange. A wonderfully silky, sophisticated Syrah with terrific fruit preservation. Finishes savory and very long, with utterly seamless but firm tannins and uncanny vibrancy. (Drink between 2018-2026). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (6/2017): Readers looking for a good introduction into the Rhône-styled wines from this estate should purchase a bottle of the 2014 Syrah Signature. Incorporating 2% Viognier, it offers classic Washington State characteristics of black and blue fruits, lavender, pepper and violets in a medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited and elegant yet pleasure-bent style that's always a joy to drink. I like it today, but it will keep nicely through 2024. |
|
|
2014 |
Upchurch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Denner Vineyards |
2014 |
Paso Robles Zinfandel Lightly Nicked Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dominus |
2014 |
Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,522.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (1/2017): Loads of dark tobacco aromas with blackcurrants and black olives. Boysenberries, too. Full to medium body, ultra-fine tannins and lots of flavors of smoke, dried roasted chillis, black truffles, mushrooms and fruit. Bright acidity on the finish. Sexy and subtle austerity. Alluring. Very approachable now but better in 2021.
WA 97 (10/2016): The 2014s, where the production of Napanook was only 2,200 cases and Dominus slightly more than the 2015 at 4,000 cases, was another early harvest, although somewhat later than 2015. The 2014 Dominus, which is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot really struts its stuff. Moueix’s belief in dry farming seems to be paying off with stronger and stronger vintages, each successive year, and the 2014 is a sexy, opulent, layered, multidimensional wine with notes of red and blackcurrant, cedar wood, tobacco leaf , spice box and licorice. The color is a dense plum/ruby/purple, much like the Napanook. This is a beauty that is already drinking gorgeously – as most 2014s are – and will continue to evolve for 25 or so years.
VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2014 Dominus is endowed with tons of depth, power and muscle. Black cherry, plum, smoke, menthol, licorice, chocolate, dried herbs and dark spices are all pushed forward. Deep, pliant and exquisitely layered, the 2014 possesses tons of concentration and mid-palate depth. Like so many wines in this vintage, the 2014 comes across as a hybrid of 2013 and 2012. I very much like the energy and focus in this wine. This is a fabulous wine in every way. With time in the glass, the flavors gain in brightness and focus. There is certainly much to look forward to. |
|
| Donelan |
2014 |
Cushing’s Block Barbed Oak Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (7/2017): Coming from a single block in the Barbed Oak Vineyard located in Bennet Valley, the 2014 Pinot Noir Cushing’s Block is a ripe, sweetly fruited and downright sexy beauty that offers classic Pinot fruit as well as complex forest floor, rose petals and spring flowers aromas and flavors. This medium-bodied, plush, incredibly elegant 2014 has a silky texture, fine tannin and a great finish. While it’s drinking beautifully today it will easily keep for a decade. It’s much more seamless and approachable than either of the 2013s.
WA 94+ (2/2017): Coming from the Calera clone planted to gravelly soil, this vintage of Cushing’s Block was produced with 30% whole cluster and aged in French barrels for 16 months, 25% new. Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Cushing’s Block gives pronounced earthy notes of forest floor, damp earth and fungi over scents of warm cranberries, pomegranate, red currants and violets. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of opulent red fruits accented by earthy/herbal notes, it has a solid frame of grainy tannins and lively acid, finishing with great length.
VM 93 (3/2017): An addition to the range, 2014 Pinot Noir Cushing's Block emerges from Barbed Oak Vineyard in Bennett County. Dark red cherry, plum, blood orange and exotic spice give the wine its alluring personality. Deep, pliant and expressive, the 2014 is a real beauty. This is an impressive debut. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Doubleback |
2014 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon |
$105 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2017): One of the gems in this terrific vintage, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla AVA. It offers fabulous notes of black currants, chocolate, toasted spice and graphite. Full-bodied, deep, layered and gorgeously pure, with plenty of heft, it's an incredibly good, even profound, effort to drink over the coming two decades. Hats off to the team for this beauty, and if you can find it, buy it.
VM 93 (11/2016): Full ruby-red. Very dark scents of blackberry, cassis, bitter chocolate and black licorice. At once sweet, pliant and concentrated; a very ripe, deep, densely packed Cabernet given shape by harmonious acidity. Cassis and dark chocolate flavors display a youthfully medicinal aspect, but there's also terrific sweetness lurking. Really spreads out horizontally to saturate the palate, finishing with major ripe, building, tongue-coating tannins and superb length. Perhaps a bit less refined than the 2014 but this is still a baby. This serious, very concentrated wine should evolve slowly and gracefully and may ultimately merit an even higher rating. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| L' Ecole No. 41 |
2014 |
Estate Ferguson Vyd. Red Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (10/2017): Bright medium ruby. Rich, complex scents of blackcurrant, minerals, chocolate, wild herbs, cedar, tobacco and smoky oak. Fat and sweet but juicy too, showing lovely mineral energy to the dark fruit and tobacco flavors. A floral component adds lift and dimension to the wine. Dusty noble tannins reach the front teeth. This is still a baby but is not at all austere even today. Clubb noted that winemaker Mike Sharon is especially gentle with this wine as it's very easy to overextract. (Drink between 2020-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Far Niente |
2014 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Far Niente Estate Bottled is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Wild cherry, smoke, tobacco, licorice and dark spices give the wine much of its considerable appeal. This is a very pretty, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon from Far Niente. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Farella Estate |
2014 |
Coombsville Merlot |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 90 (1/2018): The 2014 Merlot is a deep, almost shockingly rich wine. A host of blackberry jam, chocolate, spice, licorice and French oak notes, along with the wine's dense fruit, give the wine its powerful, super-concentrated feel. There is certainly no shortage of depth. Even so, this is a style that seems a bit forced when taking into account the personality of the year and the inherent character of this Coombsville site. Antonio Galloni.
WA 89 (10/2017): Medium to deep garnet-purple, the 2014 Merlot has a baked plums and blueberries nose with hints of spice box, tilled soil, pepper and bay leaf. Medium-bodied, soft and savory with nice balance, it finishes uncomplicated. |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2014 |
Red Wine |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2017): Chris makes a single Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated red that’s brought up all in small new and used barrels. The 2014 Estate Red Wine is a blockbuster that comes from estate vineyards in Walla Walla and incorporates a splash of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cassis, blackcurrant, roasted herbs, graphite and scorched earth all give way to a full-bodied, structured, impressively balanced red that has polished tannin (and lots of them), a core of sweet fruit and a great finish. Give it a few years of bottle age and drink over the following 10-15+ years.
VM 93+ (10/2017): Bright medium ruby. Less of a fruit bomb than the 2014 Leonetti Cellars Reserve Red Wine, also made by Figgins, offering aromas of cassis, redcurrant, licorice, fig and cocoa powder. Quite plush on entry, then powerful and dry in the middle, with the Petit Verdot component contributing focus and verticality (the Merlot makes a more horizontal wine, notes Figgins), not to mention a note of dried fig. Finishes with strong black fruits and real mountain-style tannins. This wine does not offer quite the breadth or thickness of the Leonetti Reserve Red but it's more tightly wound and energetic, not to mention very long and alive. (Drink between 2022-2030). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Forman |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (10/2016): The softer, more sexy and up-front style of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon makes it already drinking and appealing. Deep ruby/purple, with notes of black and red currants, cedar, licorice and forest, the wine has terrific fruit, medium to full body, ripe, well-integrated tannins and adequate acidity. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. |
|
| Gandona Vineyards |
2014 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2016): The top wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is simply called Gandona. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Gandona is aged 21 months in 81% new oak and there are about 400 cases of the 2014, which is a beautiful wine offering notes of blackberry, blueberry, charcoal and spring flowers. It is deep, full-bodied, opulent and flattering to smell and taste. It should drink well for at least two decades. |
|
| Gargiulo Vineyards |
2014 |
G Major Seven Study 575 OVX Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): Gargiulo's 2014 OVX is powerful, intense and also very tightly wound. The classic dark flavor profile typical of this site is front and center. Bight, salivating acidity and beams of tannin provide a strong counterpoint to the fruit. The 2014 is quite intense, but it is also not as flamboyant as the 2013 tasted alongside it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Money Road Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Money Road Ranch is another very pretty wine from Gargiulio's Money Road Ranch in the property in the center of Oakville. Gracious and medium in body, the 2014 offers plenty of near and mid-weight appeal. Lavender, sage, mint and hints of dark red/purplish fruit are laced into the finish. Drink this pretty, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon over the next few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Gemstone |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2016): Even better is the spectacular 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 20 months in 80% new French oak, this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but is a smaller cuvée of only 524 cases. The wine has plenty of cedary, Christmas fruitcake notes intermixed with licorice, blackcurrants, dusty/earthy undertones and a touch of background smoke and oak. Its tannins are soft, the acidity low and the wine round, concentrated and compelling. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
VM 93 (1/2025): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense, opulent wine. Inky, super-ripe dark fruit, mocha, chocolate, spice, new leather and espresso are all amped up. This opulent, full-throttle Cabernet is not exactly subtle. In fact, it is pretty over the top in terms of richness. Even so, the 2014 has aged quite well. (Drink between 2024-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Estate Red Wine |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 93 (1/2025): The 2014 Red Wine shows all the flamboyance of the Cabernet Sauvignon but with more vibrancy and greater aromatic presence. Dark cherry, red plum, pomegranate, spice, new leather and high-toned blood orange saturate the palate. This explosive Napa Valley red hits all the right spots for this style. The 2014 has gained considerable weight since I last tasted it. (Drink between 2024-2029). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (10/2016): There are 703 cases of the 2014 Estate Red Wine, a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It is aged 20 months in 80% new French oak. The wine, from a vineyard just off the Silverado Trail, is a delicious fruit-forward, beautiful wine with dusty, loamy soil undertones, red and blackcurrants, licorice and a touch of tobacco leaf. It is deep, full-bodied, opulent and ideal for drinking over the next 15 years. |
|
| Girasole |
2014 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$180 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (1/2026): More open-knit and ready to go, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals ripe black and some blue fruits, sappy herbs, tobacco, and graphite-driven aromatics. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 19 months in 60% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied, with a plush, round mouthfeel, juicy acidity, and a great finish. It's drinking beautifully today yet has plenty of life ahead of it. Drink 2026-2039. (Drink between 2026-2039) |
|
| Gundlach Bundschu |
2014 |
Vintage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Hall |
2014 |
The Bishop Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is another staggeringly good wine from this estate. Ripe, unctuous, and blockbuster stuff all the way, it gives up loads of black, black fruits, chocolate, roasted plum, licorice, and graphite. It's one of the larger scaled, more concentrated wines in the lineup, has a huge mid-palate, ripe tannin, and notable freshness, all of which make it almost impossible to resist. Brought up in 90% new oak, you can drink it today or cellar bottles for 2-3 decades. One of the eye-opening tastings while working on this report was the lineup from Kathryn Hall’s estate located in St. Helena. There’s a wealth of wines here, yet they all have deep, concentrated, pure profiles as well as singular characters. You could pretty much randomly select from this lineup and be guaranteed to have a brilliant wine. Hats off to winemaker Steve Leveque. All the 2016s, and the majority of the 2015s, were tasted as barrel samples. (Drink between 2018-2048).
WA 96 (10/2017): Inky purple-black in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is a little youthfully shy to begin, opening out to glorious crushed blackberries and plums notes with underlying violets, mocha, forest floor and truffles plus a touch of wild thyme. Voluptuous, full-bodied, rich and very seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is well framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with lingering fragrant fruit notes. |
|
| Hayfork |
2014 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Llewelling Ranch offers up notions of crème de cassis, black pepper, cedar chest and dried herbs with touches of tilled earth, menthol and mossy bark. Big, rich and full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture, lively backbone and long, spicy finish.
JD 92 (12/2017): The 2014s show the more supple, frontend loaded style of the vintage. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch (there’s 4% Petit Verdot, all aged 20 months in 70% new French oak) offers textbook Cabernet blackcurrant fruits, lots of spice and dried herbs, full-bodied richness, and beautiful concentration. Its oak is pushed all the way into the background, it has ripe tannin and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 15 years.
VM 91 (8/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch is powerful, dense and also compact. This is an especially dark wine for the year, with plenty of muscle and depth. There is no shortage of intensity, but the 2014 comes across as raw and not fully put together. There is plenty of potential, even if the 2014 doesn't quite have the balance of the very best Hayfork Cabernets. (Drink between 2019-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hendry |
2014 |
Block 13 Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Block 14 Malbec |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Block 24 Primitivo |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2016): The 2014 Primitivo Block 24 is one-third new oak with 15 months of aging. This is the strongest of the three wines, has loads of black cherry and strawberry fruit, spice, bramble bush notes, earth, spice and a medium to full body. It should drink well for 5-6 years. |
|
|
2014 |
Block 7 & 22 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2016): The 2014 Zinfandel Blocks 7 & 22 spent 15 months in French oak and is a nice, attractive, briary, but classic Zinfandel, with pepper, earth, spice and briary red and black fruits. It is medium-bodied, zesty, and carries its 15.3% natural alcohol well. The color is dark ruby and the wine should drink well for 3-4 years. |
|
| Immortal Estate |
2014 |
Slope Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2019): The 2014 Slope checks in as a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Petit Verdot and it spent 27 months in 75% new French oak. It has a rich, opulent style as well as lifted notes of currants, plums, violets, tobacco, and forest floor. It's deep, full-bodied, has beautiful purity, and a rounded, lush, yet quintessential Sonoma minerality and freshness. This is another layered, hedonistic wine that will keep for 15-20 years. (Drink between 2019-2039). |
|
| Jonata Winery |
2014 |
El Alma de Jonata Cabernet Franc |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2017): The Cabernet Franc dominated cuvee, the 2014 El Alma de Jonata (88% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot) sports a deep ruby color as well as a beautiful perfume of spring flowers, tobacco leaf, dark fruits and violets. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and layered, it doesn't have the density or depth of a top vintage, yet is beautifully balanced and elegant, with fine tannin, it's going age nicely on its balance. |
|
|
2014 |
El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (7/2018): The 2014 El Desafio de Jonata is a baby that needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it offers terrific notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil shaving, licorice, tobacco leaf and roasted meats. Seamless, elegant and gorgeous on the palate, with a phenomenal texture, ultra-fine tannin, and a great finish, it's a tour de force in Santa Barbara County Cabernet Sauvignon. It will keep for 2-3 decades. |
|
|
2014 |
La Sangre de Jonata Syrah |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (8/2017): Unquestionably the star of the show is the 2014 La Sangre de Jonata, and it's a more finesse driven, elegant, cool climate example of the cuvee than normal. Reminding me of an Hermitage from Bessards, it offers gorgeous notes of blackberries, cassis, leather, scorched earth and pepper. Possessing full-bodied richness, firm, polished tannin and a focused finish, it will be more approachable that most vintage of this cuvee, yet I still wouldn't touch bottles for 3-5 years. If you must drink a bottle over the coming couple of years, give it a 2-hour decant. |
|
| K Vintners |
2014 |
Powerline Estate Syrah |
$49 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2017): Bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, cherry, mocha and smoky oak on the alluring nose, complicated by a hint of licorice pastille. Fat, sweet, utterly seamless wine with a deep spiciness to its shapely red fruit and smoked sausage flavors. Perhaps most impressive today on the slowly building finish, where the tannins arrive late, saturating the tongue and spreading out horizontally. This classically dry, full wine comes from an estate vineyard that, according to Leighton, "provides Rocks quality but with better, higher-altitude acidity." Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
The Deal Sundance Vyd. Syrah |
$35 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2017): Coming from the Wahluke slope and 100% Syrah fermented (all native) with no destemming and aged in 30% new 500-liter or larger barrels, the 2014 Syrah The Deal Sundance Vineyard has a killer bouquet of black pepper, currants, blueberries, graphite and dried herbs. Full-bodied, seamless, pure and with no hard edges, it is indeed a screaming "deal"! |
|
|
2014 |
The Hidden Syrah |
$74 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 99 (6/2017): I continue to feel that this is one of the top Syrahs coming out Washington today, and it certainly doesn't get the notoriety it deserves. The 2014 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard is up there with the best of them and comes from a 93-acre vineyard that lies on a south-facing, gravel slope in the foothills of the Saddle Mountain range. This is one of the warmest and driest regions in the state. This deep ruby/purple tinged effort offers a sensational, deep, rich and concentrated style that closes down quickly in the glass. Black cherries, wet earth, lavender and incense characteristics dominate the bouquet, and it has a core of sweet fruit, ripe tannin and a blockbuster finish. Give bottles 2-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.
VM 94 (10/2017): (from vines planted in 1999; four clones were co-fermented): Bright ruby-red. Very pure if slightly high-toned aromas of black cherry, currant and licorice, lifted by treble notes of wild herbs and lavender. Fat, sweet and plush, but with a distinctly sappy impression and strong mineral pungency giving its broad dark fruit and spice flavors a magically light touch. Wonderfully dense, spicy Syrah with a very long, rising finish. Leighton told me that this wine is "everything I want in a Syrah," noting that the 2009 version is "as young as this one" and needs a leg of lamb. Incidentally, this is the same vineyard on broken basalt and caliche that provides the fruit for the Barbera, Merlot and Primitivo wines made under the CasaSmith label. (Drink between 2018-2026). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Kapcsandy Family |
2014 |
State Lane Vyd. Roberta’s Reserve |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 98 (5/2017): Love this merlot. Violets, roses, incense, and currants come to the fore on the nose. Full body and ultra-fine tannins that are so polished and integrated they become seamless and incredibly beautiful. Long and flavorful finish. Drink or hold. Long life ahead but who can wait?
VM 96 (12/2016): The 2014 Roberta's Reserve comes across as quite soft and sensual in this vintage, with less of the drive that is such a signature of the other wines here. This is the only 2014 at Kapcsándy that has not grown meaningfully since I last tasted it. Then again, Merlot is a quirky grape, as it often goes through unpredictable periods of being closed, especially in the early going. Today, my impression is that the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring, but it has less structure than some of the surrounding vintages as well as the other 2014s. This is an especially laid back, almost translucent wine from Kapcsándy. It will be interesting to see what the future brings. A dollop (3%) of Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (10/2015): The 2014 Roberta’s Reserve State Lane Vineyard is a blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. 650 cases were produced, which is 27% of their total production. This was actually showing more fruit, density and personality than the more closed and reserved 2013. I’m not sure it has the concentration and overall upside potential of the 2013, but it’s beautifully rich, with loads of coffee bean, black chocolate, black cherry and mocha notes, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific purity and density. It should drink well for 15-20 years. |
|
| La Jota |
2014 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is 75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged in 89% new French oak. The wine displays the great fruit that is possible from these two sites owned by the Jacksons. It has an opaque purple color, a big, sweet kiss of crème de cassis and blackberry with a touch of lead pencil shavings, vanilla and incense. It is full-bodied and dense, with moderately high tannins but beautiful sweetness and fruit. Drink it over the next 25-30 years. |
|
| Lail Vineyards |
2014 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend Scuffed Label |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2016): The flagship wines include the 2014 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from three sources – the family vineyard called Molehill at a 1700-feet elevation on Howell Mountain, the Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard and Heimark Vineyard in Calistoga. A gorgeous 2014, with notes of graphite, mulberry and blackcurrant, this full-bodied, opaque purple wine offers terrific fruit purity, sweet tannin, and a long finish of a good 45+ seconds. It was aged 19 months in 75% new French oak and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are 1,064 cases, and it can be drunk now or cellared for another 25 years.
VM 94+ (5/2019): Bright medium ruby. Youthfully medicinal aromas and flavors of black fruits, licorice and bitter chocolate. Densely packed and fine-grained, conveying terrific purity of fruit framed by harmonious acidity. Quite full but less thick and extractive than the '13, and a bit less port-like than that big boy. Still, this brooding, backward, slightly unsettled wine is difficult to taste today. With its element of reserve and powerful finish, it calls for extended aging. It may well eventually merit an even higher rating. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$377.65 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2016): The flagship wines include the 2014 J. Daniel Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from three sources – the family vineyard called Molehill at a 1700-feet elevation on Howell Mountain, the Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard and Heimark Vineyard in Calistoga. A gorgeous 2014, with notes of graphite, mulberry and blackcurrant, this full-bodied, opaque purple wine offers terrific fruit purity, sweet tannin, and a long finish of a good 45+ seconds. It was aged 19 months in 75% new French oak and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are 1,064 cases, and it can be drunk now or cellared for another 25 years.
VM 94+ (5/2019): Bright medium ruby. Youthfully medicinal aromas and flavors of black fruits, licorice and bitter chocolate. Densely packed and fine-grained, conveying terrific purity of fruit framed by harmonious acidity. Quite full but less thick and extractive than the '13, and a bit less port-like than that big boy. Still, this brooding, backward, slightly unsettled wine is difficult to taste today. With its element of reserve and powerful finish, it calls for extended aging. It may well eventually merit an even higher rating. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$495.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
15 |
|
| |
| JD 92+ (12/2017): Leading off the 2014s, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic release from this estate and it’s a great place to start for readers looking to try out the style of the top cuvees. Aged 19 months in 75% new French oak its deep purple color is followed by classic cassis fruit, cedary spice, graphite and dried herb aromatics. With a firm structured, tannic vibe on the palate, it has plenty of fruit but really needs 4-5 years of bottle age. Located north of Saint Helena and pulling all from their estate vineyard located around the winery, owner Cam Baker and winemaker Dan Petroski have produced some true superstars in 2015. These are ripe, full-bodied, majestic, yet structured wines that are going to age beautifully. There’s been a distinct stylistic shift with the 2016s, which were harvest far in advance of when most were harvesting, and the wines are certainly still beautiful, yet more tannic, backward, and angular. They’ll be beautiful wines, but certainly in a different style than previous vintages. |
|
|
2014 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (10/2016): The “Black Label” wines include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the clone of Cabernet that is also called Eisele, This wine spent 20 months in 62% new French oak A magnificent wine by any standard of measurement, with notes of scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, and blackberry and cassis fruit, this dense purple wine has undeniable minerality, a beautiful, full-bodied texture and a voluptuous finish. Drink it over the next 25 years.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 60% new oak) is another awesome wine. Cedary spice, black cherries, currants, scorched earth and ample minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, expansive, structured wine that has sensational purity of fruit, ripe tannin, and a blockbuster finish. It has more structure and depth the most 2014s and will evolve gracefully for another two to three decades. |
|
|
2014 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (10/2016): The “Black Label” wines include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the clone of Cabernet that is also called Eisele, This wine spent 20 months in 62% new French oak A magnificent wine by any standard of measurement, with notes of scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, and blackberry and cassis fruit, this dense purple wine has undeniable minerality, a beautiful, full-bodied texture and a voluptuous finish. Drink it over the next 25 years.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 60% new oak) is another awesome wine. Cedary spice, black cherries, currants, scorched earth and ample minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, expansive, structured wine that has sensational purity of fruit, ripe tannin, and a blockbuster finish. It has more structure and depth the most 2014s and will evolve gracefully for another two to three decades. |
|
|
2014 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$100 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Firebelle, Larkmead's Merlot-based wine, is terrific. Succulent black cherry, lavender, mint and dark spices infuse this pliant, creamy wine. Expressive savory and mineral-infused notes punctuate the finish. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to like and look forward to. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2016): Even more prodigious is the 2014 LMV Salon. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc from the sandy Bale Loam soils of the 110 acres Larkmead possesses, it is a bigger boy at 14.9% alcohol but shows lots of crushed rock and wet gravel minerality, a beautiful, cedary, blackcurrant nose with notes of forest floor, allspice and soy, with more blackberry on the palate as well as some savory herbs and spice. Hints of licorice also make an appearance in this broad, fleshy, juicy and succulent style of wine meant for drinking now and over the next 20 years.
VM 94+ (8/2019): Full ruby-red. Wonderfully complex nose melds red fruits and dried herbs, with the floral Cabernet Franc element adding aromatic lift. Concentrated and sharply delineated, with its very pure red fruit, spice and floral flavors displaying a restrained sweetness. Really lovely depth of flavor here. Finishes with firm, spreading tannins that avoid coming off as dry. This wine is the highest in total polyphenols of all of the LMV Salon vintages but does not come across as overly tannic. Very impressive! Winemaker Petroski added that 2014 and 2013 yielded wines with "the biggest tannins," noting that the '14s "may have more energy." (15.3% alcohol) (Drink between 2024-2037). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Solari Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari, which is again 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, flirts with perfection. It spent 20 months in 80% new French oak and hails from their Cortina Gravel and clay sectors of the vineyard. They made 793 cases of this compelling wine, which offers great freshness and energy, profound depth of flavor, an opaque black/purple color, and oodles of pure crème de cassis and blackberry fruit intermixed with incense, charcoal and white flowers. It’s a stunner to drink now and over the next three decades.
JD 98+ (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is flat out awesome. Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 80% new French oak, this ripe, sexy, multi-dimensional beauty boasts a deep, saturated purple color as well as layers of plum and cassis fruit intermixed with lots of cedar, spice-cabinet, spring flowers and earth. Possessing full-bodied richness, an expansive, layered texture, incredible depth and a ripe, yet building tannin, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.
VM 92+ (8/2019): Lucid red-ruby. Sexy aromas of brambly raspberry, clove and tobacco are lifted and enlivened by notes of flowers and mint. Then densely packed and sweet, offering palate-saturating flavors of dark fruits and smoky herbs. This very long, lively wine finishes with integrated, building tannins that turned a bit dustier with air. Winemaker Petroski noted that the warm nights during the summer of 2014 meant that the vines were "constantly moving" and never really shut down. The harvest, he went on, was very early (9/12) but 2015 was even earlier (9/4). (15.3% alcohol) (Drink between 2023-2034). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Lazy Susan Ranch (The Vineyardist) |
2014 |
Diamond Mt. District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lazy Susan Ranch is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate’s younger vines. This is a larger cuvée of 237 cases. The wine is seductive, lush, heady and, in this case, behaves like most 2014s. Dense ruby/purple with supple, velvety tannins, lush red and blackcurrant fruit with blackberry, licorice and earth. Drink it over the next 15 or so years.
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 LSR Lazy Susan Ranch is gorgeous. Dark red cherry, plum, leather, smoke and tobacco add striking aromatic intrigue, but it is the wine's purity of fruit that stands out. The 100% new oak is well integrated, while the tannins are remarkably soft for a mountain wine. This is an impeccably balanced, polished wine from The Vineyardist. (Drink between 2017-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2014 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight ratchets up the concentration level. The fruit is deeper, denser, the wine slightly fuller-bodied, but nevertheless shares the same style of licorice, crème de cassis, cedar wood and well-integrated, subtle oak. It is a full-bodied classic from Napa that should drink nicely for 20 or more years. The poor person’s Screaming Eagle? |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lewis Grace |
2014 |
Estate El Dorado Tempranillo |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lokoya |
2014 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$329 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2016): From the micro-terroir of the W. S. Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is pushing perfection. Its incredibly opaque color is followed by notes of lead pencil shavings, mulberry, blackberry and dark raspberry fruit, some background oak and minerality, and profound richness in a full-bodied, multi-dimensional style. It is gorgeously ripe, and sexy already, with a lush and voluptuous texture. Drink it over the next 25+ years.
JD 98 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is flat-out sensational and literally jumps out of the glass. Blackcurrants, crème de cassis, bay leaf, scorched earth, graphite and kiss of spring flower nuances give way to a powerful, concentrated, yet ethereal 2014 that glides across the palate. It's one of the more structured, tannic wines from Chris and really need 3-4 years or cellaring to shine, but it's going to evolve beautifully. Made by winemaker Chris Carpenter and focusing all on Mountain terroirs, I find the wines from Lokoya to be some of the most compelling, singular, and awesome wines made in the Valley. Unfortunately, the prices are ridiculous and beyond the means of most, myself included. (Drink between 2022-2042).
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is laced with the essence of graphite, cured meats, crème de cassis, smoke and licorice. Unctuous and deep, but with grippy Howell Mountain tannins underpinning the fruit, the 2014 has a lot going for it. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2014 for at least a few years. The Howell is a step up from some of the other wines in this range. All of the fruit for this wine came from Keyes. (Drink between 2018-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is beautifully complete, with a layered, multi-dimensional, elegant profile that's more structured than the Diamond Mountain, yet more seamless and approachable than the Howell Mountain. Crème de cassis, Asian spice, smoked earth, incense and sandalwood note all flow to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has no hard edges, ultra-fine tannin, incredibly purity of fruit and a great finish. As with all these 2014s, it's not about huge richness and opulence and more about purity, nuance and balance. It's a damn near perfect wine that will only get better with 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for three to four decades. Made by winemaker Chris Carpenter and focusing all on Mountain terroirs, I find the wines from Lokoya to be some of the most compelling, singular, and awesome wines made in the Valley. Unfortunately, the prices are ridiculous and beyond the means of most, myself included. (Drink between 2022-2062)
WA 99 (10/2016): Usually my favorite in many vintages, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder is the most backward of the 2014s and actually seems to require 4-5 years of bottle age. The wine has the telltale signs of Mt. Veeder – blackberry and blueberry fruit infused with considerable floral nuances. This wine has all that, then hits the palate with a cascade of glycerin, fruit extraction, and layers of blackberry and blueberry fruit. It is full-bodied and opulent, but finishes with some structure and ripe tannin. This is a magnificent wine – full-throttle, extremely pure, and incredibly well-balanced. Give it 5-6 years of bottle age and drink it over the following three decades.
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is a dense, tightly wound wine. Bright red cherry, iron, pomegranate, chalk, mint and white pepper abound. Deep and layered, in the medium-bodied style of the year, the 2014 exudes Veeder personality and tension. The mid-palate needs time to develop, but this is another highly expressive wine from Lokoya. There is plenty of punch and mountain intensity here. Veeder Peak is the fruit source. (Drink between 2019-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain comes from sites just south of Diamond Mountain, yet it offers a very different style in its black and blue fruits, bay leaf, spring flowers, damp earth, tobacco and mineral bouquet. With incredible purity and intensity, full-bodied richness and power, integrated acidity, and silky tannin, it needs 2-4 years of cellaring but will evolve for 2-3 decades as well. |
|
| Macauley |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94-96 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is an assemblage of different top sites in Napa, from the Star Vineyard in Rutherford to the Beckstoffer To Kalon in Oakville. This is still in barrel and awaiting bottling, but it looks to be a killer wine. Inky purple in color, with gloriously ripe blackberry and cassis fruit, some licorice, incense and graphite, the wine is full-bodied, multi-layered, and stunningly rich and long. It should turn out to be a fabulous effort to drink over the next 15-20 years. |
|
| Louis M. Martini |
2014 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/2016): The bigger, richer 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petite Sirah aged 16 months in 50% new French and American casks. This is a bigger wine and close to 2% higher in alcohol at 15.5%. There are 11,000 cases of this big, full-bodied, boisterous Cabernet Sauvignon that has a dense ruby/purple color, notes of underbrush, forest floor, tobacco leaf and oodles of blackcurrants and black cherries, with a touch of woodsmoke. The full-bodied wine hits the palate with a cascade of glycerin, fruit and purity. This is a beauty – dense, rich, and structured, but capable of lasting 20 or more years. |
|
| Miner |
2014 |
Emily’s Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (6/2018): Brought up in 55% new French oak, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Emily’s is another classic effort from this estate. Currants, plums, spice, and cedarwood notes all flow to a medium-bodied, mid-weight, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon that’s certainly not deep or profound, yet is charming and approachable. As with the Stagecoach Vineyard, it should drink nicely for a decade. |
|
|
2014 |
Emily’s Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Nicked Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (6/2018): Brought up in 55% new French oak, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Emily’s is another classic effort from this estate. Currants, plums, spice, and cedarwood notes all flow to a medium-bodied, mid-weight, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon that’s certainly not deep or profound, yet is charming and approachable. As with the Stagecoach Vineyard, it should drink nicely for a decade. |
|
|
2014 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2014 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/2024): The 2014 Pinot Noir Estate is a textbook, elegant offering from Mount Eden, although in very limited quantities due to an extremely dry vintage and resultant poor yields. It has a perfumed, alluring nose of dried flowers, orange peel, oolong tea and brick dust. A subtle, refined, precise texture unfolds on the palate, leading to a beautiful, flowing finish of weightless intensity. This shows wonderfully at 10 years old and could be capitalized on now or held for a decade further.
VM 96 (12/2019): One of the unquestioned highlights in this tasting, the 2014 Pinot Noir is brilliant, precise and wonderfully engaging from the first impression. Perhaps most surprisingly of all, the 2014 does not really seem to show any signs of drought. Today, I am quite struck by its freshness, energy and translucence. Put simply, the 2014 is a wine of pure and total class. Two thousand fourteen was the most severe drought year I have ever experienced, including 1976 and 1977. Jeffrey Patterson added. I dropped more crop than ever, as I was not sure how much fruit the vines would ripen. It was uncharted territory. In tasting, though, the 2014 does not come across like a wine from a drought year, which is truly fascinating. (Drink between 2020-2039). Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (8/2017): Seeing one-third whole clusters and 12 months in barrel, the 2014 Pinot Noir Estate has a subtle, nuanced style as well as terrific notes of dried strawberries, red currants, spice-box and forest floor. It's elegant, seamless and silky on the palate, with fine tannin and impeccable balance. Give it a few years to develop more complexity (although I'd happily drink it today) and it's going to keep for 10-15+ years. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson makes a classic, old-school, age-worthy style of wine from his vineyard located on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These wines see longer time in barrel than most, hence these are mostly 2014s and 2013s. This is unquestionably one of the benchmark estates for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California. (Drink between 2017-2032). |
|
| Myriad |
2014 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 95 (5/2017): A full and juicy cabernet with velvety tannins and an earthy, blue-fruit undertone. Juicy and delicious. Yummy. Flamboyant.
WA 94 (12/2016): There are 325 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard. This is an opaque purple wine with notes of incense, charcoal embers, blueberry and blackberry fruit, a touch of subtle background oak and sweet, velvety tannin in a full-bodied, super-rich intense wine that, in short, is utterly delicious! Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
JD 94 (7/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard is a deeper, richer example of the base Napa Valley release and offers fabulous notes of blackcurrants, graphite, charcoal and licorice. It’s a big, sexy beast of a Cabernet that has full-bodied power, a ripe, unctuous texture, and sweet tannin which are completely cover by fruit at the moment. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III is powerful, dense and explosive. All the richness and intensity that is typical of these wines is present, but there is also wonderful complexity and layers of flavor, with plenty of savory, earthy and mineral underpinnings. The move to incorporate five different blocks within Georges III has made a world of difference. This is a super distinctive wine from Mike Smith. It is also one of the few wines in this lineup that needs time for the tannins to soften. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2014 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 8 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$549 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2017): Bottled in May of this year, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard No 8 is a match for the sensational 2013. Made from 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional and the balance Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, fermented with 43% whole clusters and aged in close to equal parts new and used French oak. There’s only 400 cases of this elixir and it offers killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, violets, licorice, exotic spices and flowers. Perfumed, complex and nuanced, and dare I say, singular, this full-bodied red has a thick, opulent texture, beautiful freshness and sweet tannin on the finish. While it shows the 2014 vintage’s forward fruit characteristic, this puppy has backbone and length. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
WA 98+ (9/2017): Composed of 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, using 43% whole clusters, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard #8 has a deep garnet-purple color and slightly reticent nose to begin of black cherries, mulberries and black soil with suggestions of menthol, tobacco, incense, sandalwood and chocolate box, plus a fragrant undercurrent of violets. Firm, grainy tannins frame the full-bodied, muscular palate with stacks of flavor layers, finishing with great delineation and finesse. Forget this beauty for three to four years and enjoy drinking it over the next 20+.
VM 95 (9/2017): The 2014 Next of Kyn - No. 8 Cumulus Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Next to the 2013, the 2014 comes across as quite supple and downright accessible. A blast of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, lavender and licorice infuse the beautifully layered finish. I imagine the 2014 will drink nicely with just a few years in bottle, although if past vintages are an indication, the wine will need longer than that to be at its very best. The blend is 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, done with 43% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 8 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$635 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2017): Bottled in May of this year, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard No 8 is a match for the sensational 2013. Made from 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional and the balance Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, fermented with 43% whole clusters and aged in close to equal parts new and used French oak. There’s only 400 cases of this elixir and it offers killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, violets, licorice, exotic spices and flowers. Perfumed, complex and nuanced, and dare I say, singular, this full-bodied red has a thick, opulent texture, beautiful freshness and sweet tannin on the finish. While it shows the 2014 vintage’s forward fruit characteristic, this puppy has backbone and length. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.
WA 98+ (9/2017): Composed of 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, using 43% whole clusters, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard #8 has a deep garnet-purple color and slightly reticent nose to begin of black cherries, mulberries and black soil with suggestions of menthol, tobacco, incense, sandalwood and chocolate box, plus a fragrant undercurrent of violets. Firm, grainy tannins frame the full-bodied, muscular palate with stacks of flavor layers, finishing with great delineation and finesse. Forget this beauty for three to four years and enjoy drinking it over the next 20+.
VM 95 (9/2017): The 2014 Next of Kyn - No. 8 Cumulus Vineyard is a dense, powerful wine. Next to the 2013, the 2014 comes across as quite supple and downright accessible. A blast of dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol, lavender and licorice infuse the beautifully layered finish. I imagine the 2014 will drink nicely with just a few years in bottle, although if past vintages are an indication, the wine will need longer than that to be at its very best. The blend is 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, done with 43% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Nine Suns |
2014 |
Proprietary Blend |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Proprietary Red comes across as a blend of 2012 and 2013. It has some of the brightness of the 2013 but also the slightly more mid-weight structure of the 2012. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, espresso and menthol shape the nuanced, articulate finish, with floral notes and attractive lift. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Opus One |
2014 |
Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,568.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 97 (1/2018): Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.
WA 96 (10/2017): Blended of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, the Opus One 2014 Proprietary Red Wine sports an inky purple color and nose of crushed black and red currants, black cherries and mulberries with touches of underbrush, sauteed herbs and pencil shavings plus a waft of spice box. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and with an energetic line lifting the red and black fruits, it has a bold frame of grainy tannins and a very long, earth and spice-layered finish.
VM 95+ (3/2018): The 2014 Opus One is super-classy, elegant and polished, with mid-weight structure and tons of pure class. This is one of the more restrained recent vintages of Opus One and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. The flavors are bright, precise and beautifully delineated. Even so, the 2014 is not an easy or immediate Opus One. I wouldn't touch a bottle for at least a few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ovid |
2014 |
Hexameter Proprietary Blend |
$245 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97+ (12/2018): Blended of 51% Cabernet Franc, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Hexameter opens with beautiful redcurrants, kirsch and rose hip tea scents with a core of black raspberries and black cherries plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with ripe, rich, bold cherry-laced fruit, sparked by red fruits and floral notions and finishing long with a compelling graininess. |
|
| Pali |
2014 |
Huber Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$39 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (8/2016): Coming from sandy, loamy soils and completely destemmed, the 2014 Pinot Noir Huber Vineyard spent 16 months in 50% new French oak, and there are under 200 cases produced. Medium-bodied, juicy and lively, with a light texture, it offers pretty notes of underbrush, red currants, sour cherries and some gamy meats. It’s a solid Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years. |
|
| Paloma |
2014 |
Merlot |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Passing Time |
2014 |
Horse Heaven Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2024): Another rock star wine from this team, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc), offers up a Pauillac-like style in its darker currants, iron, lead pencil, and obvious minerality. These give way to a more medium to full-bodied Cabernet with beautiful concentration, integrated oak, ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster finish. I’d gladly put this up with the all-time greats from the state. As with the Walla Walla Valley release, it has at least another decade of prime drinking, and I suspect even more. (Drink between 2024-2034).
WA 97 (6/2017): Another sensational red from this team is the 2014 Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s easily the finest wine I’ve tasted from this team. Made from 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 5% Cabernet France brought up mostly in new barrels, it offers incredible purity and precision, building tannin, full-bodied richness and a tight, focused style on the palate. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, give bottles 2-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades or more.
VM 93 (11/2016): Bright, dark ruby-red. Black plum, sweet dark berries and spices are lifted by a floral element on the nose. Plush, sweet and pliant, conveying strong energy as well as a sense of power to the very concentrated black cherry, dark berry, violet and fresh herb flavors. Finishes with serious but suave palate-saturating tannins and terrific spicy breadth and length. At once large-scaled and sophisticated, and built to age. (Drink between 2018-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 96 (8/2024): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain is almost beautiful, and I love that it shows an incredible sense of elegance and purity, which can be hard to find in older Red Mountain releases. Blended with 3% Cabernet Franc, it’s still youthful and has medium to full-bodied richness, terrific tannins, and flawless balance. I love it today, yet I see no reason it shouldn’t evolve for another decade or more. (Drink between 2024-2034).
WA 95 (6/2017): The inkiest, most vibrantly colored of the lineup, the Cabernet Sauvignon (there’s 3% Cabernet Franc) dominated 2014 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon sports a textbook Red Mountain bouquet of plums, blackcurrants, liquid violets and dried earth. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated and layered, it's a beautiful wine that's going to benefit from short term cellaring and keep for two decades.
VM 91+ (11/2016): Full medium ruby. Pungent, expressive aromas of blueberry, licorice and camphor. Tight and penetrating in the mouth, showing less obvious fruit sweetness in the early going than the Horse Heaven Hills bottling, but complex, savory and plenty ripe. This backward, youthfully bound-up, powerfully structured wine from Klipsun vineyard fruit showcases the strong Red Mountain tannins and will require patience. (Drink between 2020-2029). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2014 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend |
$445 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2017): Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc coming from six vineyards and reared for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2014 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed blackberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of cigar box, sandalwood, dried lavender, beef drippings and mocha plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly elegant and fine in the mouth, the lively fruit is well structured by grainy tannins and seamless acid, finishing long and earthy. 14,500 cases were made.
JS 97 (5/2017): The blackberry, dark-chocolate and walnut aromas are persuasive. Full body, a dense and fruity center palate and beautiful depth and intensity. The tannin texture is exceptional. Great wine. Drink in 2020 and onwards.
VM 97 (3/2018): The 2014 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Finely sculpted, nuanced and classic in structure, the 2014 is built on a core of energy and brightness. There is a level of purity and delineation in the flavors that is remarkable. Bright red cherry, lavender, rose petal and graphite add to the wine's sculpted personality. The 2014 is not an obvious or especially opulent Insignia, but rather a wine that makes its case with its impeccable balance. A closing flourish of bright, floral notes adds the final shades of nuance. Antonio Galloni.
JD 96 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Insignia checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc and was brought up all in new oak. This beauty comes from six estate vineyards and offers a gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, Asian spice and white chocolate. With full-bodied richness, a beautiful, opulent, yet balanced texture, sweet tannin, and a great finish, it's a gorgeous 2014 that's already hard to resist, yet will cruise for two to three decades in the cellar. |
|
|
2014 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,382.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2017): Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc coming from six vineyards and reared for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2014 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed blackberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of cigar box, sandalwood, dried lavender, beef drippings and mocha plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly elegant and fine in the mouth, the lively fruit is well structured by grainy tannins and seamless acid, finishing long and earthy. 14,500 cases were made.
JS 97 (5/2017): The blackberry, dark-chocolate and walnut aromas are persuasive. Full body, a dense and fruity center palate and beautiful depth and intensity. The tannin texture is exceptional. Great wine. Drink in 2020 and onwards.
VM 97 (3/2018): The 2014 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Finely sculpted, nuanced and classic in structure, the 2014 is built on a core of energy and brightness. There is a level of purity and delineation in the flavors that is remarkable. Bright red cherry, lavender, rose petal and graphite add to the wine's sculpted personality. The 2014 is not an obvious or especially opulent Insignia, but rather a wine that makes its case with its impeccable balance. A closing flourish of bright, floral notes adds the final shades of nuance. Antonio Galloni.
JD 96 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Insignia checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc and was brought up all in new oak. This beauty comes from six estate vineyards and offers a gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, Asian spice and white chocolate. With full-bodied richness, a beautiful, opulent, yet balanced texture, sweet tannin, and a great finish, it's a gorgeous 2014 that's already hard to resist, yet will cruise for two to three decades in the cellar. |
|
| Pott |
2014 |
Actaeon Quixote Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Actaeon is one of the most complete wines in this tasting. Sweet layered aromatics, pliant fruit and silky tannins are the main signatures. All the elements are nicely balanced throughout. Actaeon is sourced from the Quixote vineyard in Stags Leap. This is very nicely done. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Kaliholmanok Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok, from a vineyard on Spring Mountain, is the most complete and deeply satisfying of these Cabernets from Aaron Pott. Pliant, creamy and super-expressive, the 2014 offers terrific depth and intensity through to the finish. A host of dark stone fruit, licorice, leather and mint notes are finely-knit in this expressive Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The Kaliholmanok makes its case more with finesse than power. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2014 |
Cabernet Franc (1.5 L) Nicked Capsule |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Franc offers lovely depth and immediacy, with plenty of dark stone fruit, mocha, spice and leather nuances. Soft, supple and expressive, the 2014 is an excellent choice for near term drinking. It would be nice to see a little more varietal character. |
|
| Pulido-Walker |
2014 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard (75% new French oak and 14.6% alcohol) has an inky purple color, loads of crème de cassis, blueberry and vanillin with graphite and licorice. It is full-bodied, exhibits terrific texture, low acidity and sweet, round tannin. This is a full-bodied classic that is delicious already, but promises to develop more nuances over the next decade and last for 20-25 years.
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is a beautiful wine from this St. Helena vineyard. Dark cherry, plum mocha, menthol and dark spices build nicely as this creamy, voluptuous Cabernet shows off its personality. This is a distinctly brooding, virile expression of Cabernet from this site. Herb, tobacco, chocolate and graphite overtones add the closing nuances. This is a gorgeous wine and a fabulous addition to the range. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard (75% new French oak and 14.6% alcohol) has an inky purple color, loads of crème de cassis, blueberry and vanillin with graphite and licorice. It is full-bodied, exhibits terrific texture, low acidity and sweet, round tannin. This is a full-bodied classic that is delicious already, but promises to develop more nuances over the next decade and last for 20-25 years.
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is a beautiful wine from this St. Helena vineyard. Dark cherry, plum mocha, menthol and dark spices build nicely as this creamy, voluptuous Cabernet shows off its personality. This is a distinctly brooding, virile expression of Cabernet from this site. Herb, tobacco, chocolate and graphite overtones add the closing nuances. This is a gorgeous wine and a fabulous addition to the range. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2014 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2017): One of the finest examples of this cuvee to date, the opulent, sumptuous and downright sexy 2014 Cvr Columbia Valley Red Wine gives up loads of black currants, kirsch, licorice, toasted spice and dried herb aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, gorgeously textured, round, and just about as hedonistic as it gets, yet without being over the top or heavy in the least, drink it anytime over the coming decade. |
|
|
2014 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2017): A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, the sensational 2014 Palengat Vineyard is loaded with notions of chocolate covered plums, licorice, roasted herbs, and graphite/lead pencil shavings. Up there with the of the top vintages of the cuvee, this full-bodied, rounded and hedonistic 2014 shines in the vintage, has no hard edges, gorgeous purity, and plenty of ripe, sweet tannin. It’s a serious mouthful of a Cabernet and will drink nicely for 10-15 years. |
|
| Quilt |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2014 |
Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (7/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch is a sweetly fruited, voluptuous - even decadent - Cabernet that offers sensational purity in its crème de cassis, leafy herbs, earth and graphite/lead pencil aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and playing in the more mid-weight, frontend-loaded style of the vintage, it’s already drinking beautifully (and I don’t see a need to delay gratification), yet will evolve for a decade or more. |
|
| Radio-Coteau |
2014 |
Alberigi Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (2/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Alberigi presents the more savory, structured side of Russian River Pinot. Graphite, smoke, savory herbs and bright, salivating acidity are the signatures, while the fruit is pushed more into the background. Underlying veins of acidity give the Alberigi its drive, brightness and intensity. Although quite pretty today, the 2014 could use at least another year in bottle. Antonio Galloni |
|
| Ramiiisol |
2014 |
Riserva Cabernet Franc |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Realm |
2014 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (12/2016): There are 400 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, which is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. This comes from the backstreets of St. Helena and the site basically looks like a quarry with its extreme gravelly soils. The wine is made from clone 337, which may be my favorite of the Cabernet clones. As I have said before, this is a Mission Haut-Brion on steroids – an incredibly fabulous wine with notes of scorched earth, charcoal embers, blackberry and blueberry fruit, an almost endless mouthfeel with powerful fruit, but elegance as well as purity. A thoroughly flawless and seamless full-bodied wine with 30 years of upside, this is pure perfection. If you have the patience, try to hold off for a couple of years, as this is one of the more structured of the 2014s. |
|
|
2014 |
Farella Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$235 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2016): Their 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (425 cases), is made from a vineyard planted in red volcanic tufa soils. The irony is that just about everybody that buys fruit from this vineyard makes better wine than the owner. This is a terrific, almost Bordeaux-inspired wine with loads of minerality and structure, but intense chocolaty, charcoal notes intermixed with blackcurrant, licorice and forest floor. It is dense, full-bodied, stunningly rich and can be drunk now or cellared for another two decades.
VM 95 (1/2025): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard shows how compelling this site is, exploding from the glass with black cherry, plum, licorice, cloves, menthol and sage. All things considered, the 2014 has aged beautifully. It naturally displays the savoriness of this vineyard and the linear style of the year. Drink it over the next five to ten years. (Drink between 2024-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Houyi Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$240 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2016): From Pritchard Hill, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard Pritchard Hill is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the iron-rich, red soils of that famous hill above the Oakville crossroads. There are 425 cases of this wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon clones 4, 7 and 337. The Houyi Vineyard, owned by the Changs, is in an expensive neighborhood of superstars, including Brand, David Arthur and Colgin. Well above the fog-line, this area gets very warm days with plenty of UV sunshine and cool nights, which give this wine great acidity to go along with its stunning display of chocolaty, blackcurrant fruit intermixed with blackberry, graphite and forest floor. There are some spring flowers as well. A full-bodied, stunning wine, very much in the Realm style, it should drink well for 20+ years. |
|
|
2014 |
Moonracer Proprietary Blend |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2016): Realm's estate wine comes from their new home vineyard, where all the renovation is taking place, at the 22-acre Stags Leap estate. Only 400 cases were made in 2014 of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Estate-Moonracer, a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot from four separate Cabernet clones. While the wine remains the same, each “bottle” is completely different, which is rather amazing. This wine shows plenty of floral notes, white chocolate, red and blackcurrants, cedar wood and loamy soil undertones. It is a beauty – elegant, yet intense and authoritative. Drink it over the next 20+ years.
VM 95 (1/2025): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is one of the best wines in this range. It is a barrel selection from a variety of blocks, including those at the top of the estate that are now bottled as Hartwell XX. Inky, deep and layered, this is still a very young wine. Rich, dark fruit, chocolate, licorice and spice build through the finish. The 2014 has aged so well. (Drink between 2024-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (3/2022): he 2014 The Bard shows off the more mid-weight, savory style of the year nicely. Grilled herbs, dried flowers, plum, black cherry and gravel notes all open up in a bright, tightly wound wine that needs aeration to be at its best. I expect the 2014 will always remain a bit nervous in feel, as is quite common in this vintage. (Drink between 2021-2031).
WA 95 (12/2016): The 2014 The Bard is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot. This is their largest cuvee of 2,000 cases. The wine shows exciting elegance, purity, a dense purple color, sweet black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice and charcoal. It is full-bodied, showing nice loamy forest floor notes. It also possesses a layered mouthfeel and terrific purity, texture and length. Drink it over the next 20+ years.
VM 92 (1/2025): The 2014 The Bard is a heady, bombastic wine. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, leather and chocolate are all dialed up to the maximum. Overt and dense, with gorgeous richness, the 2014 has a lot to offer. This has opened nicely with time in bottle, more so than I had originally envisaged. Drink it over the next five to ten years. (Drink between 2024-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Reynvaan Family Vineyards |
2014 |
The Classic Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2017): Matt's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Classic is a beauty! Leafy herbs, gamey meats, earth and ample dark fruits all emerge from this full-bodied, rich, beautifully concentrated and supple Cabernet Sauvignon. Coming from estate vineyard in Walla Walla, it will benefit from short term cellaring and keep for a decade or more. |
|
|
2014 |
The Contender Syrah |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2017): The 2014 Syrah The Contender from Matt Reynvaan is a perfumed, elegant, finesse driven example of this cuvee (it's normally one of the more concentrated, burly wines in the lineup) that offers classic Old World notes of olive tapenade, smoked duck, pepper and dark black and blue fruits. Medium to full-bodied, silky and downright elegant, drink it anytime over the coming decade. This cuvee is 94% Syrah and 6% Marsanne. |
|
| Rhys |
2014 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a solid step up over the Anderson Valley release and has more tension, elegance and precision. Offering up classic notes of strawberries, spice, black cherries and a touch of sous bois, it has medium to full-bodied richness, terrific purity of fruit and integrated acidity. Give bottles a year or two and drink through 2026. |
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|
2014 |
Home Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95+ (7/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard is one of the most polished, refined wines of the year at Rhys. Sweet floral notes and the 100% whole clusters give the 2014 its aromatic presence, salinity and overall nuance. Sweet red cherry, blood orange and white pepper add life through the mid palate and into the finish. Although the 2014 will be even better with bottle age, its grace and pure refinement are very much evident today. Although young, the 2014 has room to grow. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (7/2016): A huge, tannic wine, the 2014 Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard is at least several years from delivering true pleasure. Sweet floral notes add aromatic presence, but the 2014 remains a tightly wound ball of energy. White pepper, cherry jam and chalk meld into the deep, searing finish marked by Nebbiolo-like tannin. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2014 |
Geyserville |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2016): A classic 2014, the downright sexy, hedonistic and ready to go 2014 Geyserville Proprietary Red Wine (60% Zinfandel, 24% Carignan, 12% Petite Sirah and 4% Mourvèdre) is medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced and loaded with notions of blackberries, plums, brambly herbs, licorice and spice. It’s relatively soft and already approachable, but it will nevertheless keep through 2024. |
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2014 |
Ponzo Vyd. Zinfandel |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2016): Coming from the Russian River Valley, the 2014 Zinfandel Ponzo Vineyards (96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah) is another sexy, seamless release from the team at Ridge that offers classic aromatics (bramble, plums, spice and dried flowers), medium-bodied richness and a clean, lengthy finish. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2014 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard comes from the western Oakville hillside that was once an old gravel quarry. Blue/purple with notes of earth, crushed rock, blueberry and blackberry fruit, this is a relatively tannic, backward style compared to the other Cabernets with plenty of minerality, a muscular structure, full-bodied mouthfeel and loads of blue, red and black fruits. This is impressive and potentially fabulous with a great upside, but needs 3-5 years of bottle age and should keep for up to 30 years. |
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|
2014 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is another magnificent wine from the Oakville corridor on the hills near Dalla Valle and the Pedregral Vineyard of David Ramey. Wonderful notes of fruitcake, cedar wood, spice box, blackcurrant and blackberry along with espresso and spice jump from the glass of this terrific wine that is powerful, concentrated and multidimensional, but still somewhat youthful and backward. Give it 3-4 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 25-30 years.
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is the deepest and most explosive of these 2014s. Vivid and chiseled in the glass, the 2014 exudes energy, with tons of intensely mineral and savory overtones. Rose petal, lavender, mint and sage all flesh out nicely in the glass. This collection of small parcels on the eastern hillsides of Oakville often yields wines of notable distinction. That is once again the case in 2014. This is a special wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (10/2016): The Cabernets start with the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is from a single block of the Larkmead Vineyard. This is fabulous – 100% Olmo clone that is the same as the Eisele clone. Opaque purple, this wine was aged 20 months in a relatively small percentage of new oak. Blackberry, cassis, spring flowers and vanilla all jump from the glass of this fabulous, concentrated, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that is dense, pure and terrific. Alcohol levels are relatively modest at 14.3%. Drink it over the next 20 years.
VM 91 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, rich and intense, all qualities that make it an excellent choice for drinking now over the next few years. Sweet red cherry, plum fruit, and chocolate flavors are pushed forward. The soft, polished tannins give this fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon tons of near and medium term appeal. (Drink between 2017-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Wrinkled Label |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (10/2016): The Cabernets start with the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is from a single block of the Larkmead Vineyard. This is fabulous – 100% Olmo clone that is the same as the Eisele clone. Opaque purple, this wine was aged 20 months in a relatively small percentage of new oak. Blackberry, cassis, spring flowers and vanilla all jump from the glass of this fabulous, concentrated, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that is dense, pure and terrific. Alcohol levels are relatively modest at 14.3%. Drink it over the next 20 years.
VM 91 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, rich and intense, all qualities that make it an excellent choice for drinking now over the next few years. Sweet red cherry, plum fruit, and chocolate flavors are pushed forward. The soft, polished tannins give this fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon tons of near and medium term appeal. (Drink between 2017-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudd |
2014 |
Samantha’s Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (12/2017): A blend a 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, there's 928 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate and it's unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. Blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, graphite, and damp earth all flow from this ethereally textured, seamless, gorgeous wine that has no hard edges, excellent acidity and a great finish. It’s slightly more elegant and polished than the more powerful 2015 and will shine of 20-25 years. (Drink between 2018-2043).
WA 94+ (12/2016): The 2014 Samantha’s is cut from the same mold as the 2013, just denser, with slightly less tannin and a reticent character, but it is loaded with upside potential. Give this wine 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25 years.
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha's is another impeccable wine from Rudd. Stylistically, the Samantha's is more supple and open-knit than the Estate Red. Dark stone fruits, mocha, torrefaction and chocolate give the wine its sumptuous, racy personality. It should drink well with minimal cellaring. (Drink between 2018-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudius |
2014 |
Kaley Elizabeth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth comes from the Tierra Rojo vineyard in Oakville planted in 1988 and contains a small splash of Cabernet Franc. The nose explodes with baked cherries, blackcurrant cordial and blueberry pie notes with touches of Chinese five spice, wood smoke and beef drippings with a waft of dried herbs. Full-bodied, rich and spicy with mouth-filling savory and spice layers, it has a solid backbone of chewy tannins and a lively line, finishing long.
JD 95 (6/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth is a beauty that shows the plush, forward, sexy style of the vintage beautifully. Crème de cassis, blueberry jam, graphite, white chocolate, and a touch of spring flower nuances all emerge from this deep, opulent, layered, beautifully concentrated 2014 that has sweet tannin, moderate acidity, and a seriously hedonistic vibe that’s hard to resist. Despite the upfront appeal, it has serious mid-palate depth and a surprising amount of tannin, so it’s going to be long-lived. Drink it anytime over the coming 20 to 30 years. These Rudius releases at the baby of winemaker Jeff Ames, who’s also the talent behind the wines of Tor Kenward.
VM 93 (12/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth is sourced from the Tierra Roja vineyard in Eastern Oakville. Creamy, potent and layered, the 2014 possesses terrific depth and resonance. This is an especially potent, virile wine, with all of its elements in the right place. Black cherry, plum, chocolate and new oak meld into the super-expressive finish. A dollop of Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend in this inviting wine from Rudius. (Drink between 2020-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2014 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (10/2017): Deep medium ruby. Musky black fruits, minerals, cocoa powder and cardamom on the nose. Juicy and stylish if a bit youthfully brooding following the Dissident blend, conveying clear minerality to its black fruit flavors. Quite dry but this blend displays a higher-pH mouth feel (actually 3.84) than the Dissident. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins, a restrained sweetness and a lingering savory quality. The Mark Ryan wines have really moved up in class in recent years. (Drink between 2019-2025). Steven Tanzer. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2014 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Serene |
2014 |
Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2018): (60% new French oak) Limpid ruby-red. Powerful, smoke-accented dark berry preserve, cherry cola and lavender pastille scents show very good clarity and pick up Indian spice and vanilla notes with air. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur and mocha flavors, along with energizing spiciness and a touch of smoky minerality. Weighty yet surprisingly graceful, finishing with strong thrust, slow-building tannins and lingering florality. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| The Setting |
2014 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Shafer Vineyards |
2014 |
One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon |
$94 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five offers up scents of lavender, cloves, menthol, licorice, spice and graphite. Savory, delineated and tightly wound, the 2014 is a picture perfect example of the vintage. Winemaker Elias Fernandez adds that the drought was more severe in 2014 than it was in 2013. This is another strong showing from Shafer. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2014 |
Capo dei Putti Syrah (3.0 L) |
$2,299 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2018): Leading off the reds, the extended barrel-aged 2014 Syrah Capo Dei Putti boasts an insane bouquet of cedarwood, white chocolate, caramelized meats, candle way, and assorted red and black fruits. With full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and an incredible elegance, it changed every time I came back to the glass and is a multi-dimensional, riveting red wine from California. A blend of 90% Syrah and the balance Viognier, Petite Sirah, and Grenache, partially destemmed and aged 38 months in 94% new French oak, give this beauty 2-3 years of bottle age, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following 10-15 years.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Syrah Capo dei Putti, from Eleven Confessions, is another absolutely stunning wine from Elaine and Manfred Krankl. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the 2014 offers tremendous aromatic intensity and freshness to play off the dark Syrah fruit. There is an sense of explosive energy running through the 2014 that adds to the wine's total allure. I would prefer to cellar the Capo dei Putti for at least a few years. I imagine it will always be a wine of gravitas, concentration and power. The 2014 spent 38 months in French oak, 94% new. The blend is 90% Syrah, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 2% Grenache and 4.8% Viognier, done with 43% whole clusters.
WA 96+ (8/2018): The 2014 Syrah Capo dei Putti saw an amazing 38 months in fully 94% new oak, and it was showing superbly when I tasted it, unfurling in the glass with brooding aromas of blackberry preserve, cherries, bay leaf and a remarkably integrated framing of smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, hyper-concentrated and deep, with an incredibly dense core of fruit that's definitely ripe but avoids overt sucrosity—and is complemented by an impressive degree of savory nuance. It's a blocky, dense Syrah that will merit some time in bottle, but it is sure to make a considerable impact whenever it's opened. 896 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced. |
|
|
2014 |
Piranha Waterdance Syrah |
$339 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (9/2017): Blended of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and 1% Graciano, sourced from 34% The Third Twin, 35% Eleven Confessions and 31% Cumulus (all estate vineyards), the provocative, inky purple colored 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance was made using 26% whole cluster and hits the scent scene with exuberant, pure crème de cassis, blackberry cordial and blueberry coulis notes with hints of espresso, licorice, garrigue and menthol, plus a gorgeous underlying perfume of red roses. The full-bodied palate is oh-so-elegant and pretty, revealing very finely pixelated tannins that beautifully frame the almost electric intensity, culminating in an epically long, licorice and chocolate-laced finish. Too stunning for mere words and rude to even try-just drink it. 1,839 cases and 600 magnums were produced.
VM 95-97 (9/2016): A striking, vibrant wine, the 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance is beautifully focused and energetic from start to finish. Plum, blueberry, lavender, mint, violet and sweet spices all take shape in the glass. This is an especially nuanced, sculpted Syrah long on class and personality. There is so much to like here. The 2014 is 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Touriga Nacional and % Graciano, done with 26% whole clusters, all from Sine Qua Non's estate vineyards: 35% Eleven Confessions, 34% Third Twin and 31% Cumulus. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Shakti Grenache |
$325 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2017): One of the more elegant, ethereal releases from this incredible address, the 2014 Grenache Shakti checks in as blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and the rest Touriga Nacional that was fermented with 42% whole clusters and aged 21 months in just 6% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels. Its ruby/purple semi-opaque color is followed by a thrilling bouquet of black raspberries, black olive tapenade, leafy herbs, pepper and spring flowers. It’s not a small wine by any measure, yet it’s graceful, lively and elegant on the palate, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, polished tannin, no hard edges and a gorgeous finish. Drink this beautiful Grenache anytime over the coming 15+ years. I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist. The 2015 reds were all tasted as barrel samples, and these show the firm, structured style of the vintage and I suspect are going to require bottle age to show at their best. I’ve also included the “The Third Twin” releases here, and it, like the Next Of Kyn releases, are released under a separate label and focus on the estate The Third Twin vineyard located outside of Los Alamos.
VM 95-96 (9/2016): The 2014 Grenache Shakti wraps around the palate with sumptuous fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather flesh out as this totally seductive Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Striking aromatics, super-expressive, bright fruit and silky tannins are some of the signatures in a delicious, delicate Grenache that is totally alluring. I suppose the 2014 is not the most structured or complex Grenache ever from Sine Qua Non, but it is a total pleasure bomb. The blend is 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Touriga Nacional, done with 42% whole clusters. Vineyard sites are 51% Cumulus, 21.5% Eleven Confessions, 18% Third Twin and 9.5% Bien Nacido. I tasted the 2014 from tank just prior to bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Shakti Grenache (1.5 L) |
$649 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2017): One of the more elegant, ethereal releases from this incredible address, the 2014 Grenache Shakti checks in as blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and the rest Touriga Nacional that was fermented with 42% whole clusters and aged 21 months in just 6% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels. Its ruby/purple semi-opaque color is followed by a thrilling bouquet of black raspberries, black olive tapenade, leafy herbs, pepper and spring flowers. It’s not a small wine by any measure, yet it’s graceful, lively and elegant on the palate, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet, polished tannin, no hard edges and a gorgeous finish. Drink this beautiful Grenache anytime over the coming 15+ years. I loved the 2013s from Manfred Krankl, and these are reminiscent of the 2010s (as are the 2015s). The 2014s are more plush and sexy, with a forward style that’s already impossible to resist. The 2015 reds were all tasted as barrel samples, and these show the firm, structured style of the vintage and I suspect are going to require bottle age to show at their best. I’ve also included the “The Third Twin” releases here, and it, like the Next Of Kyn releases, are released under a separate label and focus on the estate The Third Twin vineyard located outside of Los Alamos.
VM 95-96 (9/2016): The 2014 Grenache Shakti wraps around the palate with sumptuous fruit. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, spice and new leather flesh out as this totally seductive Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Striking aromatics, super-expressive, bright fruit and silky tannins are some of the signatures in a delicious, delicate Grenache that is totally alluring. I suppose the 2014 is not the most structured or complex Grenache ever from Sine Qua Non, but it is a total pleasure bomb. The blend is 88% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2% Touriga Nacional, done with 42% whole clusters. Vineyard sites are 51% Cumulus, 21.5% Eleven Confessions, 18% Third Twin and 9.5% Bien Nacido. I tasted the 2014 from tank just prior to bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2018): As with the extended aged Syrah release, the 2014 Grenache Testa Dei Cherubini (80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah and Viognier) comes all from the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent just under 38 months in 25% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels (varying sizes). Layers of black raspberry, cassis, white chocolate, white flowers, and Asian spices flow to a full-bodied, supple, powerful Grenache that has silky, silky tannins, a seamless texture, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s already approachable, yet in my experience, this extended elevage results in a very stable wine, and I suspect this beauty will have another two decades of longevity.
WA 98+ (8/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini saw fully 37.5 months in wood, some 25% new, but its influence is imperceptible; the wine is strikingly pure and vibrant. Krankl commented that the longer the wines spend in barrel, the more slowly they seem to evolve in bottle. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of juicy red cherries, peonies and plums, it's initially quite reserved, becoming more expressive with air. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and very concentrated, with strikingly fine-grained, revolved tannins, juicy acids and impressive length and depth. Like the 2015 Le Chemin Vers l'Heresie also reviewed in this report, it's remarkably pure and integrated and ranks as one of the finest Grenache bottlings I've tasted from Sine Qua Non. It's also one wine that will clearly benefit from bottle age, no matter how tempting it may be when it's released in November of this year. The blend includes 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and a tiny 0.5% of Viognier, and 895 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
VM 98 (9/2018): The 2014 Grenache Testa dei Cherubini, from Sine Qua Non's Eleven Confessions vineyard, is positively explosive on the palate. Even so, the 2014 is precise and beautifully delineated, with striking nuance and terrific freshness to balance things out. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15.5% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and 0.5% Viognier that spent 38 months in 600-liter French oak barrels. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sodhani |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (6/2017): This hones in on a tight, rich core of mocha, black licorice, dark berry and cedary oak elements, all well-proportioned. Though firmly tannic, this also shows a measure of finesse and nuance. Drink now through 2028. 280 cases made. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2014 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (8/2016): Lastly, the 2014 Sangiacomo Vineyard (a very well-known site) comes from clones 115 and 777. This is the highest-octane of the Sojourn Pinot Noirs, finishing at 14.5%. This is a beautiful Pinot, with black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as some strawberries in its copious display of fruit. The structure is there as well, and the wine floral, earthy, spicy and pure. A classic Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, this medium to full-bodied beauty should drink well for 5-7 years. |
|
| Somnium |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$140 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2014 |
Napa Valley Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Turnbull |
2014 |
Amoenus Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2016): The single-vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Amoenus Vineyard is from a Calistoga site. The wine shows none of the rugged tannins and sometimes rustic character that can come from the northern end of Napa Valley in Calistoga. This is a beauty. About 350 cases were produced, the wine has an opaque ruby/purple color, hints of loamy soil undertones, forest floor, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, and a touch of licorice and spice. This is deep, full-bodied and super-impressive. It is approachable now, but will be better with 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for 25-30 years. |
|
|
2014 |
Bonne Vivante Red Wine |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Fortuna Vyd. Merlot |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Merlot Fortuna Vineyard is a beautiful wine showing plenty of black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, high-quality subtle toast and licorice. The wine hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, elegant, but intense and full. The purity of fruit, the dense purple color and the 40- to 45-second finish make for an exceptional example of one of the best Merlots you are going to find in Napa. |
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|
2014 |
Leopoldina Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Leopoldina Vineyard is opaque purple to the rim, with black cherry and blackcurrant fruit in a tightly knit, reserved style that, more than the other wines, begs for 4-5 years of bottle age. This is a big, generously endowed wine with loads of blue and black fruits, incense and creosote, but needs time given the tannic profile. Forget it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 30 years. |
|
| Varner |
2014 |
Spring Ridge Vyd. Upper Picnic Bloc Pinot Noir |
$45 |
53 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic is all class. Silky tannins and expressive, perfumed aromatics give the wine unreal finesse. Just as compelling on the palate, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite in its understated, nuanced expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains. What a gorgeous wine it is. The Upper Picnic is the most elegant of these four Pinots. (Drink between 2018-2026). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (2/2019): I loved the 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard. This beauty boasts fabulous red fruits, spice, dried flowers, and rose petal notes, with a hint of California bay leaf developing with time in the glass. Possessing a silky, rounded, elegant texture, medium body, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish, it’s a truly thrilling Pinot Noir that can be drunk today or cellared for 7-8 years. (Drink between 2018-2026). |
|
| Venge |
2014 |
Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2016): The 2014 Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is ready for bottling, but is still in barrel. Deep ruby/purple colored, this wine from the family’s Oakville estate has gorgeous blueberries and blackberries galore and a multi-layered, skyscraper-like mouthfeel, while displaying velvety tannins in the finish. It is a classic 2014 in size, richness, equilibrium and complexity. It should drink well for 20 or more years, much like the 2014 Bone Ash Cabernet.
JD 96 (12/2017): From the Oakville estate and Beckstoffer’s Missouri Hopper Vineyard, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve is slightly more concentrated and opulent than the Bone Ash Vineyard, which is mostly like due to its longer 27-month elevage in new French oak. Cassis, spicy oak, licorice, vanilla bean, and dried herb notes all emerge from this sexy, expansive, broad, beautifully full-bodied 2014 that has more density and depth than most in the vintage. It has ripe, sweet tannin and will cruise in the cellaring for 20+ years. (Drink between 2018-2038). |
|
|
2014 |
Oakville Estate Vyd. Merlot |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2016): Venge’s 2014 Merlot Oakville Estate Vineyard is a saturated purple, sexy, delicious, fruit-driven Merlot with loads of sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, background wood spice, good acidity, a nice plump, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel and excellent density. It is certainly one of the better Merlots one is going to find in Napa Valley. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. |
|
|
2014 |
Stagecoach Vineyard Block I-4 Syrah |
$45 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2016): The attractive, fragrant, rich, medium to full-bodied Syrah is from the Stagecoach Vineyard in Napa. The 2014 Syrah Stagecoach Vineyard Block I 4 is dense ruby/purple, with delicate wood, but loads of blackberry and floral-infused blueberry fruit are present in this medium to full-bodied, well-crafted wine. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. |
|
| Verite |
2014 |
La Joie (1.5 L) |
$568.75 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (12/2017): The estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon dominated release is the 2014 La Joie and it’s an incredible wine based on 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. Reminding me of a top vintage of Ducru-Beaucaillou (the 2010?) with it’s incredibly classic Cabernet character, it offers thrilling notes of crème de cassis, exotic flowers, liquid rock-like minerality, and graphite and lead pencil nuances. Deep, concentrated, and backward, it has perfect balance, good acidity, and an undeniable Bordeaux-like weight and texture. It’s nowhere near primetime and needs 5-7 years of cellaring and is going to keep for three decades.
VM 97.5 (3/2017): The 2014 La Joie exudes freshness, energy and intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender espresso and expressive spiced notes are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, mint and gently spiced notes are laced into the super-expressive, silky finish. A final kick of Cabernet Sauvignon intensity adds lift in the 2014 La Joie, Vérité's Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (8/2023): Deep ruby-garnet, the 2014 La Joie is alluringly tertiary on the nose with tones of iodine and truffle, old cigars, dried tobacco and blackcurrant. The medium-bodied palate is velvety and seamless, and the wine is showing a structural harmony and ideal balance of fruit and umami character. It's drinking beautifully! |
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2014 |
La Muse (1.5 L) |
$632.45 |
2 |
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WA 100 (8/2016): The 2014 La Muse (2,800 cases ) is a legendary effort. The wine offers an opaque purple color and a gorgeous nose of lead pencil shavings, blackberry, incense, Asian spice, cocoa, plum, and a touch of chocolate and barrique. On the palate, more cassis and blackberry come to the forefront. The wine is unctuous, with adequate acidity and a stunning energy underneath the massive fruit and body. This is a spectacularly fragrant and, at the same time, dense wine, with enough structure (somewhat surprising in this vintage) to last 35-45+ years. The final blend was 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.
JD 97+ (12/2017): A gorgeous effort as well, the 2014 La Muse is a Merlot-dominated cuvee blended with 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. This deep ruby/purple-colored beauty boasts a terrific perfume of black raspberries, cassis, graphite, chocolate, and a beautiful earthy minerality. This isn’t your over the top, opulent Merlot and shows incredible class and purity, as well as full-bodied richness, high, yet integrated tannin, impeccable balance and a great finish. It’s not anywhere close to primetime (which is rare for a 2014) and needs 4-5 years at a minimum. It’s going to be incredibly long-lived.
VM 96 (3/2017): A huge, opulent wine, the 2014 La Muse wraps around the palate with tons of super-ripe dark red fruit, chocolate, spice and menthol. La Muse often shuts down after bottling, but the 2014 is still remarkably intense and voluptuous, with soft contours, silky tannins and exceptional balance. The purity of the flavors here is remarkable. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Le Desir (1.5 L) |
$614.25 |
2 |
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JD 99 (12/2017): A blend of 53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Malbec, the 2014 Le Desir is monumental stuff that has a Château Ausone-like character that’s hard to describe. its vibrant purple color is followed by a to-die-for bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, cedar, tobacco leaf, and charcoal. This gives way to a concentrated, rich, yet incredibly delineated wine that has fine, fine tannin, notable freshness and purity, and a great finish. While blockbuster stuff, it’s for consumers with cold cellars and lots of patience. I’d hide bottles for 7-8 years and it’s going to keep for another 3+ decades.
VM 97 (3/2017): The 2014 Le Désir is the most inward of these 2014s from Vérité. Dark raspberry jam, wild flowers, spice, pencil shavings, mocha, lavender and licorice infuse this deep, powerful, structured Cabernet Franc-based blend. The interplay of dense, sumptuous fruit and aromatic freshness makes for an absolutely compelling wine.
WA 98 (10/2016): The 2014 Le Désir (53% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec) has an inky purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate, black truffle, forest floor, black raspberry and black currants. Opulent, but again structured and super-dense and pure, this is another massively concentrated wine meant for the long haul (and for our grandchildren). Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 35-40 years. Remarkably, Pierre Seillan told me that 2014, while a drought year, was not actually that hot in the micro-terroirs he was working, but in terms of quality, it turned out to be the most surprisingly positive vintage he’s ever witnessed. |
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| Vineyard 29 |
2014 |
Aida Cabernet Sauvignon |
$184 |
1 |
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| WA 96+ (12/2017): Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Estate Vineyard gives up warm cassis, black berry and black cherry notes with hints of cedar chest, black pepper, black soil and baking spices plus a waft of tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, firm and tautly built, it has a lovely ripe and coarsely grained texture with oodles of freshness giving lift to the muscular fruit. It finishes on a complex earthy note. 750 cases were made. |
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| Waters |
2014 |
Patina Vyd. Syrah |
$39 |
3 |
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| WA 87 (6/2018): Offering up notes of blackberries, licorice and beef blood, as well as a suspicion of volatility, the 2014 Syrah Patina Vineyard is medium to full-bodied, rich and lavish on the attack, but it's a touch drying and spiritous on the finish, which, again, raises the specter of volatile acidity. |
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| Whetstone |
2014 |
Jon Boat Pinot Noir |
$25 |
7 |
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| Andrew Will |
2014 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
1 |
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| JD 94+ (4/2018): A little more fresh and lively than the Ciel du Cheval, the 2014 Champoux has sensational purity in its lifted bouquet of cassis, black raspberries, violets and spring flowers. There's a touch of graphite that develops with time in the glass, and the wine has fine, polished tannin and an elegant, silky texture. It doesn't have the heft of the Ciel du Cheval but shines for its purity and elegance. |
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2014 |
Sorella Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
4 |
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JD 97 (4/2018): The deep inky colored 2014 Sorella checks in as a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cassis, smoked earth, graphite, and chocolate all emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated, gorgeously rich and layered beauty that has sweet tannin, beautiful purity, and a great finish. This is a sensational wine.
JS 94 (5/2018): This is a tight and linear wine with juicy and bright red berries. Shows chocolate and hazelnut undertones. Medium body, bold, noble tannins and a flavorful finish. This marries power and focus. Drink or hold. |
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