2014 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Violets and some lifted cedary notes sit across herb-wrapped blue plums. The palate has a punchy core of tannin that carry ripe spiced plums and blueberries. Youthful grip to close. Try from 2020.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grip and structure and not too much sweetness. Herbal and interesting. Has a beginning, middle and end. Dry finish but not drying. Clearly made by someone who understands. (JR)
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.
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.