Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
There is an admirable rocky-mineral focus to the black fruit character here. A style with swagger and force rather than finesse, but packed with fruit too. Wild but not unbalanced on the cherry finish which is well supported by tannins.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Made by Ray Signorello from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Merlot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Fuse gives up a deep purple/ruby color as well as classic notes of black cherries, cedary spice, plums, and graphite. With medium body, impeccable balance, fine tannin, and a great finish, it shows the elegant, silky style of the vintage nicely, and while it’s already drinking great, I suspect it will cruise for 8-10 years.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.