Winemaker Notes
A true wine of place, the 2014 is alluring but authoritative. Scents of small dark cherries, Indian ink and lush florals are penetrating while maintaining a sense of space. The palate is harmonious and animated; cassis, dark fleshed fruits and accents of sweet tobacco are lifted by a violet top note. An undertow of svelte, mineral rich tannins build into a fragrant rolling finish. The vintage is accessible in its youth (with a minimal decant), yet has the substance to go on for decades.
Blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blueberry, stone, currant and mint aromas. This is really layered and fantastic. Detailed. Full-bodied yet fresh and intense. Love the stone, currant and bark flavors.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 he-li-an-thus is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, a whopping 15% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc. A much smaller crop has resulted in an elegant, delicious, front end-loaded wine that has an opaque ruby/purple color, sweet, flowery blueberry and black raspberry fruit, medium to full body, delicious, light tannins and decent acidity.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.