I’ve also tasted a number of 2015 barrel samples, a vintage marked by a greatly reduced crop level (about 30% to 40% less on average) and a short and hot grape growing season. Tasting at Abreu with winemaker Brad Grimes They may not have the flash or the richness of the 2012 or 2013, but they are very focused. “There is a lot to like in 2014,” said Lou Kapcsandy Jr. I am a huge fan of 2013, which produced reds that show a superb structure that harkens back to the great vintages of the 1970s, 1960s, and 1950s. It’s much better to drink the 2014s or 2012s now and leave the powerful 2013s to mellow with bottle age. The wines show a harmony in fruit and structure that will allow early drinking as well as aging. It helps that heat spikes were not a factor during the grape growing season. Profiles were more about the vineyards they came from, rather than the weather patterns of the year. I wrote earlier this year how the 2014s showed their true character of their respective soils and microclimates. And even beyond cabernet, from syrah and to pinot, the wines show a wonderful aromatic tension, balanced palate, and vivid finish. Though they are slightly overshadowed by the magical 2013s, this is a vintage not to miss.

I’ve now tasted more than 500 reds from Napa’s 2014 vintage – mostly cabernet sauvignon-based - and I have to say that they are extremely attractive. 'noresultstext': 'No results for Tasting Notes, Tasting Reports, Videos and Events.

Clone 5 cabernet 2014