Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the 2014s, this vintage was compared to a combination of 2012 and 2013 by Bob Levey. The 2014 Matriarch functions as a second wine for the Bond releases, yet in 2014 it’s certainly beautiful in its own right. There are between 800-1,000 cases made so it should be easier to get your hands on it as well. Cassis, white flowers, spice, and hints of graphite all emerge from this full-bodied, rounded, polished, beautifully elegant 2014 that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 15+ years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 The Matriarch Proprietary Red Blend reveals a core of crushed black currants and blackberries with lovely herb and floral nuances and an earthy/damp soil waft. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is well structured with grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, framing the vibrant black fruit and earth layers, finishing long.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.