90 points from Robert Parker, Jr. - The Wine Advocate

Vintage

Coming on the heels of 2013, which had been heralded the “vintage of the decade”, 2014 certainly had a lot to live up to. One of the driest winters on record for California, most of the rainfall came in February and March and was quickly followed by warm soil temperatures. Fast spring growth set the valley off and running, in some cases seeing bud break and veraison almost 2 weeks ahead of schedule. The lack of major heat spike, allowed for longer hang times and (coupled with higher degree days and drier soils) increased concentration and complexity. The 2014’s will go down in history as the best of the stellar 12-13-14 vintage string, and one with higher than average yields and exceptional quality.

Vineyard                                                                                                                               

Our family vineyard is located on 40 acres of Napa Valley floor just north of St. Helena on the Silverado Trail. It has well-drained, sandy, alluvial soils and is characterized by its ability to produce complex wines with well-defined fruit flavors, gentle acids and naturally balanced tannins. The 5 blocks of Cabernet planted on this vineyard are picked and aged separately, then blended together to create our Napa Valley Cabernet.  

Vinification

The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested during the first two weeks of October, 2014. The grapes were gently destemmed and then pumped to tank. It was fermented on the skins for 10-14 days, and then drained at the completion of alcoholic fermentation. The wine was racked to 45% new oak barrels for aging (75% of which were Hungarian Oak, 15% French Oak and 10% American Oak). The wine was racked quarterly for the first year.

Wine Profile

 A vibrant example of 2014’s excellence! Concentrated aromas of blueberry, Marionberry, cassis, slate, sandalwood, nutmeg and oak are apparent right from the get-go. Rich and balanced on the palate, luscious cherry / blackberry compote, brambleberry pie, cacao nib, spicy herbs and brulee give way to a long finish rife with tobacco and chocolate notes. Excellent now, and in the years to come. Drink through 2024.

Technical Information:

Vineyard Manager:      Eric Titus

Winemaker:                 Phillip Titus

Appellation:                 Napa Valley

Harvest Date :             October 2014

Blend:                          82% Cabernet Sauvignon

                                     7% Malbec

                                     6.5% Petit Verdot

                                    4.5% Merlot

Bottled:                        April 2016

Cases Produced:          3971

Release:                      June 2016

Barrel Aging:               18 months, 45% New Oak -  French, Hungarian & American

Alcohol:                       14.9%             

Total Acidity:             .60g/100 ml

pH:                             3.85