eisele vineyard cabernet sauvignon 2014 750ml

WINEGROWING INFORMATION
While winter rainfall in Napa Valley was half the normal amount, heavy rains in March deeply soaked the Eisele Vineyard soils immediately before emergence of the first shoots, stimulating humification and healthy vine growth. Warm weather without frosts led to one of the earliest bud breaks on record. Bloom was two weeks earlier than in 2013 and fast, homogenous flowering ensured good fruit set with small clusters. Mild July weather allowed slow ripening of the grapes, which progressed more rapidly during August and September heat to maturity. Cabernet harvest started on September 15th and ended on October 1st. Delicate clusters resulting from late-season heat were welcomed by our vigilant sorting crew. Slow fermentations were conducted with gentle extraction to deliver delicious fruit personality. A careful choice of toasts and origins, tailored to each vineyard block, allowed the wines to reveal their character during barrel aging.

The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified `Organic' by California Certified Organic Farmers and biodynamic by Demeter.

TASTING NOTES
The winemaker notes: "The 2014 vintage is classic Eisele, displaying a more forward character than 2013. The nose opens on notes of white flowers, wild berries, blackcurrant, blackberries and dried rose petals, characteristic of the Eisele fruit, with subtle undertones of vanilla, cinnamon and grilled almonds. With aeration, it progressively gives way to freshly-cut ripe cherries. The ample mouthfeel is very silky with tight-knit, chiseled tannins that support this vintage's aristocratic figure. The fruit is pure, sustained by deliciously ripe and savory undertones. The delicately saline finish of the 2014 lingers with pepper, turmeric and licorice. In this great vintage, the wine combines outstanding brightness and aromatic complexity with the Eisele hallmarks of elegance and finesse."

CRITICAL ACCLAIM
99 points - James Suckling
"Intensely scented dried flowers on the nose in the rose to lilac spectrum. Raspberry and blackberry undertones. Rose perfumes. It's full-bodied, yet everything's in finesse. Superfine tannins coat your palate and give you incredible length, and it all last for minutes on the palate. Great resonance. Not the power of 2013 but intellect and persistence prevails here. A joy to taste now, but this will improve for decades ahead."

95 points - Decanter
"A brooding bouquet of black cherry, petroleum jelly, dark spice and hints of rich soil and bitter chocolate introduces a rich, layered wine with ample powdery tannins, a taut core and lovely depth and focus. This is one 2014 that may well surpass its 2013 counterpart. (WK)"

94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The wines from the extremely hot drought year, 2014, were just bottled prior to my visit. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the vintage's precociousness and front-end loaded, flattering style. It is medium to full-bodied, shows beautiful fruit purity, deep black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit, moving toward blacker berries. There is a floral characteristic, spice, and a full-bodied, lush mouthfeel with silky tannin. Drink it over the next 25 years. Drink through 2041."

GRAPE SOURCE
99% Cabernet Sauvignon, Eisele Vineyard
1% Petit Verdot, Eisele Vineyard
Napa Valley

PRODUCTION & TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol: 14.8%
Release date: June 7, 2017

750ml bottle