2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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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 firmly 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 harvested 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.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2014 “White Label” red wines include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, which is a beauty. An elegant, Pauillac-style wine with notes of chocolate, cedar wood, fruitcake, unsmoked cigar tobacco and underbrush, it is dense, full-bodied and rich. It is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot aged 19 months in 75% new French oak. There are 2,705 cases of this wine, which finished at 14.7% natural alcohol. It should drink well for 20-25 years, but there’s no reason to defer your gratification.
Larkmead's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very pretty, understated wine. Bright red stone fruit, floral notes and spice give the 2014 its refreshing, vibrant personality. The fruit is nicely pushed forward, but the 2014 is light on its feet and gracious, especially for a Calistoga Cabernet. Even so, this is a relatively laid-back style built on finesse more than power.
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (black label) is dark and virile. Dark and explosive from the outset, the 2014 appears to be built for the long haul, as the tannins are imposing. Still, the wine's overall energy and intensity are impressive. It will be interesting to see how things develop over the coming years.