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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 11:02 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2014 and 2014
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2014 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (4/2020): Another late release from the Waters Winery, the 2014 21 Grams offers a sweet nose of macerated cherries and mulled blackberries intermixed with flowery incense and cedar. Nicely balanced on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth as well as sweet tannin, it's drinking nicely today yet should keep well for a decade. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2014 |
X Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| 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 |
3 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| B Cellars |
2014 |
Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Signs of Old Seepage |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| 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 |
$80.75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bergstrom |
2014 |
Le Pre du Col Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): Limpid ruby-red. Vibrant, sharply delineated aromas of raspberry, Asian spices and potpourri are lent urgency by a strong mineral flourish. Juicy, spicy and focused on the palate, with showing vibrant cut and mineral lift to the red berry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors. Finishes impressively long and aromatic, with resonating florality and silky tannins sneaking in late to contribute shape. There's a lot of immediate appeal here, but I'd give this sexy Pinot at least a few more years of rest. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2014 |
Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): Russell has made a killing farming and making wine from Oakville’s Tench Vineyard in the heart of the high-rent district of Rudd, Screaming Eagle, Phelps, Dalla Valle and a few others. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is his third perfect wine of the vintage, which, believe me, is a trifecta of brilliance. Aged three-fourths in Darnajou and one-fourth in Taransaud, the wine is as dark as a moonless night, has the telltale blueberry and blackberry liqueur notes with Asian spice, incense and the perfume of a flower shop. Deep, built like a skyscraper, with multiple levels, well-integrated acidity and tannin, this big, juicy, succulent and intense wine is a tour de force and can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years.
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is powerful, silky and nuanced, with plenty of bright red stone fruit, spice and floral notes. This is an especially restrained wine for Bevan, yet all the elements are in the right place. Silky, polished tannins and the reddish fruit profile give the 2014 its refined, sensual personality. Best of all, the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Antonio Galloni.
WS 92 (11/2017): Smoky oak is evident in the introduction, giving way to vibrant dark berry, gravelly earth, road tar and tobacco, maintaining tannic muscle on a long, full, chewy aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2032. 125 cases made. |
|
| Blankiet |
2014 |
Prince of Hearts Proprietary Blend |
$80.75 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2014 |
Melbury Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$995 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Melbury is profoundly scented of crushed plums, black cherries and cassis with hints of dark chocolate, black pepper, black soil and licorice plus a hint of iron ore. Full-bodied, rich and earthy in the mouth, it has a lovely fine-grained but firm backbone with plenty of freshness, finishing long and peppery.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Melbury comes from a site just north of Lake Hennessey that consists of unique, oceanic and clay soils. It’s a pretty, perfumed, seamless beauty offering loads of black cherry and cassis fruit, hints of chocolate and earth, medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and beautiful tannin. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years.
VM 95 (1/2018): The 2014 Melbury is bright, perfumed and wonderfully lifted in the glass. Soft, silky tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. Medium in body and gracious, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite today. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal and mint grace the supple finish. This is a super-refined wine from BOND. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Quella Proprietary Blend |
$399 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (3/2018): The 2014 Quella is showing beautifully. Floral and savory overtones give the wine its energy and tension. The 2014 has really come along over the last six months. Today it is vibrant and full of life, with an understated sense of power that is compelling. The 2014 has developed very nicely since I last tasted it, but it still has room to grow. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Quella is scented of blackberry preserves, fruitcake and crushed rocks with hints of cigar box, dried Provence herbs and Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and great freshness lifting the black fruit and earth layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Quella is one of the most aromatic and complex in the lineup. Coming from more seabed and volcanic soils (similar to the Melbury) and sporting a deep purple color and lifted notes of spice cake, black cherries, blueberries, violets and iron-like minerality, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, elegant, has bright acidity, and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming 20+ years. |
|
|
2014 |
Quella Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$975 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (3/2018): The 2014 Quella is showing beautifully. Floral and savory overtones give the wine its energy and tension. The 2014 has really come along over the last six months. Today it is vibrant and full of life, with an understated sense of power that is compelling. The 2014 has developed very nicely since I last tasted it, but it still has room to grow. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Quella is scented of blackberry preserves, fruitcake and crushed rocks with hints of cigar box, dried Provence herbs and Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and great freshness lifting the black fruit and earth layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2014 Quella is one of the most aromatic and complex in the lineup. Coming from more seabed and volcanic soils (similar to the Melbury) and sporting a deep purple color and lifted notes of spice cake, black cherries, blueberries, violets and iron-like minerality, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, elegant, has bright acidity, and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming 20+ years. |
|
|
2014 |
Vecina Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2017): The 2014 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and has a broody, baked blueberries, cassis and anise-laced nose with suggestions of garrigue, dusty earth and bay leaves. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and powerful in the mouth, it offers a lot of latent layers and promises great, great things to come with an incredibly long, layered finish. It needs a bit of time but should cellar beautifully for a good 25 years+.
JD 97 (12/2017): Another awesome wine is the 2014 Vecina and it’s from a vineyard on the western side of the valley, right up next to Harlan Estate. This deep, full-bodied, seriously concentrated 2014 gives up loads of plums, currants, toasty oak, chocolate, and chalky minerality. It picks up a touch of violets with time in the glass, but the theme here is deep, dark fruit and minerality. With the forward, supple style of the vintage, it still has serious concentration and structure, and is going to be long-lived.
VM 97 (3/2018): One of the most expressive wines in this range, the 2014 Vecina is powerful, dense and explosive. Despite its obvious intensity, the 2014 has quite a bit of detail and nuance. Time in the glass unleashes the wine's natural intensity, volume and power. The huge, savory and mineral-drenched finish only adds to the wine's immeasurable beauty. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Buccella |
2014 |
Cuvee Katrina Eileen Cabernet Sauvignon |
$191.25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Caterwaul |
2014 |
Regusci Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Caymus |
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
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.
WS 90 (6/2017): Supple and fruit-forward, this is designed to win broad appeal, with easygoing plum, black cherry, loamy earth and blueberry flavors, supported by vanilla bean-accented oak. Features just enough tannins to remind you of its pedigree. Drink now through 2026. 125,665 cases made.
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 |
|
| |
| WS 93 (7/2017): Plush, expressive and well-structured, with savory black cherry and stony mineral aromas and dense but polished licorice and espresso flavors that linger toward refined tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 505 cases made. |
|
| Cobb |
2014 |
Diane Cobb Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
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. Cabernet Franc |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Franc is a beauty, dense bluish purple in color with fragrant floral notes, blueberries and black raspberries, the wine is medium-bodied, but intense, complex and compelling. Despite the lack of weight, there is gorgeous fruit, an ethereal elegance and an almost sublime nature to this high-elevation Cabernet Franc from Diamond Mountain. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. |
|
|
2014 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly deeper ruby/purple, with lots of cassis, licorice and spice, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, rare elegance, finesse, beautiful purity and length. This is another stylish, quintessentially elegant wine that Napa Valley is not supposed to be capable of producing. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.
VM 90 (12/2016): CONSTANT's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is aromatic and refined, but also a bit restrained by this estate's standards. Sweet floral and spice aromatics, dark inky fruit and mid-weight structure are some of the signatures. The 2014 is undoubtedly a pretty wine, and it will drink well with minimal cellaring, but I would have liked to see a bit more personality of site here. (Drink between 2018-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Claret |
$70 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2016): The 2014 Proprietary Red Claret, which comes from both the Napa and Sonoma sides of Diamond Mountain, has fragrant floral notes with raspberry and blueberry notes – clearly cool-climate stuff. The wine has loads of elegance and is a stylish wine with medium body, lovely fruit, nothing out of balance and a soft, silky finish. It won’t make old bones, but for drinking over the next decade this is a delicious, complex blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot from this beautiful site atop Diamond Mountain. |
|
|
2014 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Syrah |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| G.B. Crane |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$152.15 |
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. |
|
|
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
3 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| 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. |
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|
2014 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (3/2017): The 2014 Cuvée Moriah is a bit different in this vintage in that there is no Syrah in the blend. As a result, the 2014 is mostly Grenache with about 16% Mourvedre. Not surprisingly, the Grenache is especially expressive. Succulent red berry, tobacco, dried herbs and anise are all nicely pushed forward, while silky tannins add to an impression of total finesse. Pliant yet also medium in body, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. The 50-60% whole clusters are not especially evident, as they are very well integrated into the overall fabric. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Kobler Family Vyd. Syrah |
$60 |
8 |
|
| |
VM 96 (3/2017): The 2014 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard is gorgeous. Inky, powerful and intense, but with striking aromatic lift from the 10% co-fermented Viognier, the 2014 is a total knock-out. Black pepper, sage, violet, lavender and a host of blue/purplish notes infuse the creamy finish. The 50% whole clusters add complexity, but are not overpowering. Put simply, this is a stunning wine from Donelan. (Drink between 2017-2024). Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (7/2017): The 2014 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard is another Côte Rôtie look-alike that offers lots of cool-climate, pretty, peppery, and herbal notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness, loads of blackcurrants, black olive and violet nuances, integrated acidity and polished, fine tannin. It’s beautifully balanced and elegant, yet has enough structure to evolve for a decade or more. The 2014 was cofermented with 10% Viognier and brought up in neutral oak. As with all young vintages from this estate, give it a decant if drinking soon. This is cool-climate California Syrah done at its finest. (Drink between 2017-2024).
WA 94+ (3/2017): Blended of 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier and aged in oak for 21 months in entirely used oak, the 2014 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed black berries, black plums and black currants with underlying hints of tar, licorice, black olives and black pepper. Medium-bodied and quite elegant in the mouth, the perfumed layers have wonderful energy and persistence while the grainy tannins lend savory chewiness to the fruit and spice. |
|
|
2014 |
Obsidian Vyd. Syrah |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (6/2018): I was also able to do a small retrospective of the Obsidian Vineyard, which was completely destroyed last year in the fires that ravaged Sonoma and Napa. The 2014 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is broad and expansive, with a sexy, plush feel that’s in stark contrast to the 2015. Currants, peppery herbs, spice, full body, a stacked mid-palate, and sweet tannin define this sensational Syrah. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2014 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2014 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$160 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Gundlach Bundschu |
2014 |
Vintage Reserve Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Hendry |
2014 |
Block 13 Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2014 |
Block 14 Malbec |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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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 |
2 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2014 |
Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$399 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Nathan Coombs Estate is on another level. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a site in Coombsville which is a cooler terroir in the southern part of the Valley and spent 20 months in all new French oak. Sporting an inky purple/blue color and incredible notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, damp earth and leafy herbs, it incredibly concentrated, opulent and decadent, yet always balanced and pure. It's a real “Wow” wine that's going to knock your socks off over the coming 2-3 decades. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Horsepower Vineyards |
2014 |
Sur Echalas Vyd. Syrah |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2017): Another soot, tar, mineral, bacon fat and smoked dark fruit driven beauty is the 2014 Syrah Sur Echalas Vineyard. Made from 100% Syrah, this peppery, bloody, iodine, full-bodied, concentrated effort has building tannin, a great mid-palate and a salt-laced finish. It's another unique, singular beauty that's going to benefit from short term cellaring and keep for two decades.
WS 93 (7/2017): Plump yet structured, with a delicate core of lively acidity and stony tannins, supported by rich black raspberry, tapenade and bacon flavors. Drink now through 2024. 271 cases made. |
|
| Kapcsandy Family |
2014 |
Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$320 |
4 |
|
| |
JS 99 (5/2017): Extremely floral and complex on the nose with cedar, blackberries, blueberries, tobacco, stones, mushrooms... I'm simply running out of words here! Full to medium body and a tight and compact center palate. This is complete and dense. Extremely long and energetic. Drink in five years but a joy to taste. One of the best ever.
VM 98 (12/2016): A powerful, tightly-wound wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is likely to require the better part of the next decade to come into its own. The most backward and brooding of these wines, the Grand Vin is also quite primary and closed in on itself. Still, the energy, drive and focus of the best vintages is very much in evidence. Today, the 2014 is dense, seamless and utterly impeccable, with no hard edges, beautifully integrated oak (100% new) and exceptional balance. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (10/2016): Always an exceptional cuvee, there are 900 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. In 2015 there were 700 cases. This wine is even softer than the 2015, perhaps slightly less concentrated, but still at the top of the qualitative hierarchy in Napa Valley, with its terrific purity, nose of licorice, camphor, forest floor, blackcurrant and cedar wood. It is gorgeously fruited, full-bodied, but super-well-balanced. This is a beauty that can be drunk early, or cellared for another 25-30 years. |
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|
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. |
|
| Lail Vineyards |
2014 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$377.65 |
2 |
|
| |
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. |
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|
2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$220.15 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2014 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$495.95 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Lancaster |
2014 |
Nicole’s Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
| 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 |
$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 Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| Lewis Grace |
2014 |
Estate El Dorado Tempranillo |
$25 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Liparita Cellars |
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Meyer Family Cellars |
2014 |
Bonny’s Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2014 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (6/2018): The 2014 Morlet Estate comes from the western foothills just north of St. Helena and is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a Pauillac-like austerity as well as awesome notes of black fruits, graphite, lead pencil shavings and loamy soils. Fresh, focused, full-bodied and powerful, this classic, structured Cabernet Sauvignon needs 2-4 years of bottle age but will have 20-25 years of overall longevity. I loved these latest releases from Luc Morlet and family, and they show a sensational mix of classic, balanced, even old-school, characters mixed with killer California fruit. As a whole, the 2014s show more elegance and complexity, with the 2015s possessing more power and richness. These are rockstar wines.
WA 95 (10/2016): The five cuvées of Bordeaux varietals in 2014 include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from his vineyard in St. Helena. This wine exhibits loads of chocolate, crème de cassis, pain grillé and camphor in a full-bodied, Pauillac-inspired style. It is rich, with silky tannins and a long finish. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.
VM 94 (3/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate is laced with the essence of dark stone fruit, chocolate, menthol, dark spices and licorice. The new oak and torrefaction signatures are a bit more present this year than they are in some other vintages. It will be interesting to see how the oak character integrates over time. (Drink between 2019-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Myriad |
2014 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
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) |
$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. |
|
|
2014 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 8 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$725 |
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Peacock Family |
2014 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2016): Phelps is now producing three cuvées of Cabernet Sauvignon – their Napa Valley, their flagship proprietary red Bordeaux blend called Insignia (which they debuted in 1974), and their Oakville steep hillside vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon called Backus. The basic Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It saw 18 months in a combination of both French and American casks. This is their biggest cuvée (27,000 cases) and it is a beauty. The 2014 is supple, with silky tannins, dark plum, blackcurrant and licorice-infused fruit with a touch of spice, a lushness on the attack and mid-palate, and a silky finish. This wine was meant for early drinking, but there is no doubt it has the concentration and overall balance to age nicely for 15-20 years. |
|
| Pott |
2014 |
Actaeon Quixote Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$194.65 |
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 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$225.25 |
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. |
|
| Pulido-Walker |
2014 |
Melanson Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$170 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard comes from a higher elevation site on Pritchard Hill. This is slightly lower in alcohol at 14.3% and sees 88% new French oak. This is a beauty. Black raspberry, blueberry, white flowers, forest floor, graphite and camphor are all present in the aromatics and flavors of this full-bodied wine that has magnificent fruit purity and an expansive, large-scale mouthfeel, but no heaviness or cloying characteristics. This is a beauty to drink over the next 25 years.
VM 94 (12/2016): Pulido-Walker's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard opens with pungent, expressive aromatics. A dark, brooding wine, the Melanson presents a compelling interplay of super-ripe dark fruit and intense mountain tannins. Smoke, savory herbs, graphite, menthol and torrefaction notes from the French oak are some of the signatures. Even with all of its opulence and intensity, the 2014 preserves a great deal of freshness. With time in the glass, redder tonalities of fruit start to emerge. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
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. |
|
| Realm |
2014 |
Moonracer Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$650 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 98 (1/2017): Deep and dark with dark chocolate, blueberries, currants and black licorice. Wet earth, too. Full-bodied and extremely velvety. Generosity balanced out by suggestions of austerity. Polished and beautiful. Superb. Stag's Leap soul. Give it three to four years to come together. Super. Try in 2021.
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. |
|
| Rockledge Vineyards |
2014 |
The Rocks Cabernet Sauvignon |
$49 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Sbragia Family |
2014 |
Andolsen Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 91 (6/2017): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen is profoundly scented of creme de cassis, plum preserves and spice box with suggestions of black earth, cedar box and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, it delivered concentrated baked black berry notes with lovely spice and earth layers, supported by velvety tannins, finishing with great length.
JD 89+ (6/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen comes from a site in the Dry Creek Valley and is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 60% new French oak. Red currants, spicy wood, graphite, and dried soil notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, structured red that's holding things tight and close to its vest currently. I suspect it will develop more complexity with another year of bottle age and should keep for 8-10 years. |
|
| Scarecrow |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$825 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2016): The utterly perfect 2014 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon (1,500 cases) has everything one could possibly want in a Cabernet. Inky purple-colored to the rim, with a glorious nose of white flowers, crème de cassis, hints of blackberry and boysenberry, some licorice and forest floor are followed by an enormously concentrated wine with fabulous purity, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and texture, a length of nearly a minute, and stunning flavors, with flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol. This is a great, great wine and certainly one of the Cabernet Sauvignons of this vintage. Drink it over the next 25-30 or more years.
VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2014 Scarecrow comes across as understated and refined today. Some of that may be the personality of the year. The 2014 was also bottled relatively recently, which makes me think it could turn out to be even better than this note suggests. Soft, silky tannins and exceptional purity of flavor are two of the signatures in this exceptionally beautiful, captivating Cabernet Sauvignon. Scarecrow can often be powerful and virile. In 2014, however, it is a wine of finesse. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| The Setting |
2014 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Shafer Vineyards |
2014 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2017): Very deep inky-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is incredibly intense and impactful on the nose, revealing notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries and fresh black currants with underlying notions of charcoal, sauteed herbs, black soil, chargrilled meat and pencil lead, plus a waft of violets. Very full-bodied, very rich and wonderfully concentrated, the wall of fruit is well matched by a firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
VM 97+ (3/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the more restrained, understated versions of this wine I can remember tasting. Medium in body (in relative terms) and beautifully persistent, the 2014 makes its case more with a total sense of harmony rather than with bombastic power, as is sometimes the case. Moreover, the 2014 has really come together beautifully since I last tasted it. In 2014, Hillside Select is a wine of precision, with expressive aromatics and finely-knit tannins that support the mid-palate and finish nicely. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2014 |
Capo dei Putti Syrah (3.0 L) |
$2,900 |
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 |
$329 |
2 |
|
| |
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.
WS 94 (9/2017): Rich, ripe and powerfully built, with deep and expressive smoky beef, cracked pepper and currant flavors that charge like a bull toward big but polished tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 1,800 cases made. |
|
|
2014 |
Shakti Grenache (1.5 L) |
$725 |
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.
WS 90 (7/2017): Dark and brooding, this showcases ripeness and intensity, offering notes of licorice, smoky pepper, beef and dried currant. Tannins frame the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,150 cases made. |
|
|
2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$325 |
2 |
|
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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. |
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2014 |
Testa dei Cherubini Grenache (3.0 L) |
$2,900 |
1 |
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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. |
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| Sloan |
2014 |
Asterisk Proprietary Blend |
$135.15 |
1 |
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JD 96 (1/2020): I also loved the 2014 Asterisk, which shows the complex, balanced, elegant style of this vintage perfectly. Giving up full-bodied notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, fruitcake, and loads of cassis fruits, it’s deep, flawlessly balanced, and has ripe, polished tannins that emerge on the finish. The balance and purity here are remarkable. and while it offers incredible pleasure today, it’s going to evolve for 20-25 years.
WA 95 (12/2018): Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Asterisk is a little closed to begin, slowly revealing blackberry pie, baked blackcurrants and mulberries on the nose with nuances of redcurrant jelly, tobacco and lavender with hints of underbrush and pencil lead. Full-bodied and with a rock-solid backbone of very firm, wonderfully ripe, grainy tannins, the palate has oodles of freshness and impressive depth, finishing long and minerally.
VM 93 (1/2018): A gorgeous second wine, the 2014 Asterisk has a lot to offer. Succulent red cherry, plum and pomegranate fruit give the wine much of its racy personality. In 2014, the Asterisk has terrific energy and brightness, with pretty floral and savory notes that add perfume. There is so much grace and class here, but readers should expect the slightly slender style that is typical of the year. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Sodhani |
2014 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
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| 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. |
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| Sojourn Cellars |
2014 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
3 |
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| 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. |
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| Somnium Cellars |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
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| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
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2014 |
Napa Valley Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
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| Stonestreet |
2014 |
Cougar Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$69 |
1 |
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| VM 89 (3/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Cougar Ridge is another soft, attractive wine with good depth to match its mid-weight feel. Dark fruit, smoke, tobacco, spice, leather and licorice all take shape nicely in the glass. Antonio galloni. |
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2014 |
Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$89 |
2 |
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| VM 88 (3/2017): Stonestreet's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a soft, immediate wine best suited for drinking over the next few years given its light to medium-bodied structure. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Verite |
2014 |
La Joie Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$568.75 |
1 |
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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 Proprietary Blend (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 Proprietary Blend (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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| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2014 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
3 |
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WA 95 (10/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a deep garnet-purple color and very perfumed nose with violets and lavender over blueberries and mulberries plus mossy bark, forest floor, stewed tea and dried herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is firm, grainy, fine, fresh and elegantly played, finishing long and mineral tinged.
VM 94 (1/2025): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is superb. Deep, rich and explosive, the 2014 captures the essence of the house style. Even with all its opulence, the 2014 has aged well while also retaining a good kick of brightness that extends the nearly seamless finish. A final kick of tannins serves as a reminder of the style of the year. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.
JD 90+ (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes all from the estate vineyard on Spring Mountain, saw 50-60-day maceration and spent 26 months in 100% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by terrific notes of blackcurrants, truffle, chocolate, toasted oak, and licorice. This big, meaty, chunky Cabernet Sauvignon has full-bodied richness, plenty of oak to integrate, and a slightly monolithic style. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and hope for the best. |
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| Whetstone |
2014 |
Jon Boat Pinot Noir |
$25 |
7 |
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