Kathryn Hall 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The Halls acquired the historic St. Helena Bergfeld Winery in 2003 with a rich history spanning 150 years. Today Hall's estate vineyards encompass more than 500 acres of classic Bordeaux varietals. Hall Wines continue to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking vintage after vintage. This 2014 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon is the pinnacle of their offerings. Sourced primarily from their estate Sacrashe vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 24 months is 75% new French oak barrels. Big scores all around for this including 95 points from Robert Parker who said "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall opens with intense crème de cassis, mulberries and plum preserves notions over hints of Chinese five spice, tapenade and smoky bacon, plus a touch of dried Provence herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated and powerfully fruited on the palate, it has a soft, inviting frame of fine-grained tannins and loads of spice and savory layers coming through on the long finish." 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck who said "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall gives up terrific complexity in its blackcurrant and black cherry fruits, tobacco leaf and cedary spice bouquet. This gives way to an elegant, silky, classic Cabernet Sauvignon that has impeccable balance, sensational purity of fruit, and a great finish." and 98 points from the International Wine Report who said "The 2014 ‘Katheryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon is amongst the most compelling releases of this bottling that I have ever tasted. This spent 24 Months in 75% New French Oak and instantly impresses with its deeply hued, opaque color, followed by complex aromatics of crème de cassis, Asian spices, mocha, sweet pipe tobacco, red cherries and mint along with savory accents which are simply intoxicating. While its power is evident, the balance and purity of fruit is simply amazing, as it delivers deep, concentrated flavors of crème de cassis, mocha, tar, cigar box and roasted coffee which continue effortlessly through the finish. Voluptuous and seamless, this stunning Cabernet is just about impossible to resist now, however expect this to evolve gracefully over the next decade and beyond. (Best 2017-2040)".