Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Professional Ratings

• 94 Wine & Spirits

  This wine blends estate fruit with grapes from Col Solare’s neighbors, including Klipsun and Shaw/Quintessence. It’s a brute when first poured, so obtuse it’s hard to know where it will go. But patience is rewarded as this wine unfurls to something vinous, powerful and complete, a cedar scent that brings to mind Bordeaux, a dark pool of plum flavor and tannins that are powerful and firm but not oppressively so. It needs time, but already has the stuffing for steak.

• 94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2014 Proprietary Red is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and the balance Syrah. Notes of smoked tobacco, black currants, licorice and a gravelly minerality all flow to a rich, multi-dimensional and concentrated yet elegant Cabernet. It needs short term cellaring, but it's a beautiful wine that is going to have 15-20 years of overall longevity.

  Rating: 94+

• 93 James Suckling
  A dense and rich red with blueberry, chocolate and coffee character. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Generous and fleshy style. Drink or hold.
• 90 Wine Enthusiast

  The aromas bring notes of plum, blue fruit and barrel spice. The palate comes off as considerably darker, with rich fruit flavors supported by firm tannins. There are lots of good things going on if the aromas and flavors sync up, though it doesn't seem much like Cabernet.