
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
96 Pts Robert Parker
This refined Cabernet Sauvignon combines bold, mountainside structure with ethereal finesse, purity, and sophistication. Intense aromas of dark cherry liqueur, blackcurrant, wild boysenberry, and ripe apricots are intricately laced with notes of anise, crème de cassis, graphite, espresso crème brûlée, and a touch of cocoa powder. The incredibly dense palate offers an elegant, velvety mouth feel, which culminates beautifully with pitch-perfect acidity, balance, and luxurious opulence. The complex array of these exotic nuances continue to evolve within the textural expansiveness, resulting in a long lasting climax, and a full expression of modern style Cabernet which is sure to intrigue the senses.
One of our top tier wines in our portfolio, this limited-production of 765 cases represents the pinnacle of Hertelendy winemaking and exhibits elegance, power, and complexity. Our fruit sources improved from 2013. In 2014, we acquired our “Rockwell Ridge” Estate Vineyard on the slopes of Howell Mountain (23 year old vines just 35 ft below the Howell Mountain AVA demarcation line at 1365 feet elevation), and blended our grapes with other premium Bordeaux varietals from pristine, mature, mountainside vineyards on Pritchard Hill, Atlas Peak, and the Silverado foothills. All of the varietals were double sorted and underwent a long maceration. Aged for 23 months in 90% new French oak, character and structure was obtained without overpowering the natural essence of our fruit. Grown only on the eastern hillsides of Napa Valley, one may be able to discern the tuffaceous volcanic soil that is very prevalent in this unique terroir.