Winemaker Notes
Broken Rock Vineyard has a complex hillside structure and a rich valley floor flavor. The positioning of this stunning vineyard provides plenty of afternoon sun for the 2,000 vines that were planted per acre. Blessed with high drainage and low fertility soil on the Eastern Ridge of Napa Valley and at the foot of Atlas Peak, Broken Rock consistently produces wines of unusual intensity and concentration. It is no surprise that wines produced from this vineyard can easily accept merit in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list.
Las Piedras is known for its rich, gravely soil and traces its roots back to the original land grants of over 150 years. These vines help to produce a mineral driven Cabernet Sauvignon. It is characterized by long summer days with gentle breezes, from the Mayacamas Mountains from the Pacific, throughout the afternoon. This cabernet is definitely not one to miss.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This 100% varietal wine comes from two stellar sites: Broken Rock on Atlas Peak and Las Piedras, an appropriately gravelly site farmed by Andy Beckstoffer. Together, they yield magic—a thick, juicy and well-integrated layering of red cherry, clove and cigar that exudes a strong barrel presence and structured tannin profile.
-
Wine Spectator
The initial push of vivid raspberry and currant picks up herb and earth notes, gaining a measure of elegance and grace before ending with firm tannins. Best from 2019 through 2030.
-
James Suckling
A big, rich style with lots of grape skin and ripe-berry character. Full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Soft and round texture. Drink or hold.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa is a beauty, with loads of chocolate, crème de cassis and licorice. This full-bodied, opulent, fleshy wine has a dense purple color, big, juicy fruit, impressive purity, and a long, rich finish. This wine is drinkable now and should continue to evolve for another 12-15+ 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.