ACCOLADES
90 Points "The late Robert Mondavi's name is synonymous with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon so it’s only fitting that his namesake winery continues in that tradition with a new vintage of Cabernet that lives up to the promise…. The 2014 is an elegant Cab that shows layered black fruits on the palate, notes of sweet wood spice and tobacco, and soft, supple tannins that make the wine enjoyable and satisfying from the moment of release."
– Robert Whitley, Wine Review Online, January 17, 2017
90 Points - Vinous, December 2016
COMPOSITION
ABV 15.0%
Vintage 2014
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation Napa Valley
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Malbec, 0.5% Syrah
VINEYARD
THE VINEYARD: Fruit for our Napa Valley Cabernet includes two of the valley’s most renowned sub-appellations: our historic To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville; and a smaller percentage from our Wappo Hill Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap district. The varying mesoclimates and soils of these two vineyards elicit a wonderfully concentrated, expressive, and classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and are combined with fruit from a number of the area’s finest vineyards for the perfect expression of the region.
THE VINTAGE: 2014 started with drought-like conditions, and many feared a dry spring. Refreshingly, spring rains came providing water for the soils and filling reservoirs. The wine growing season will most be remembered for the August Napa earthquake that occurred just as harvest was commencing in the Napa Valley. The vines were not affected and harvest finished early, bringing in beautiful, healthy fruit. The final blend was assembled through repeated tasting trials over the 18 months of barrel aging.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas: Black cherry, plum, blackberry
Flavors: Sweet spice, herbaceous earth, touch of sweet tobacco
Body: Rich concentration with silky tannins and a long finish
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