2014 Gravel Series ‘Secret Garden’ Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L

Member Price: $550 – $495

Released from the library for a limited time. 

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 months in 98% new French oak

We dedicate this wine to our Mother – an incredible role model for all the women in our family – whose strength is legendary and eye for beauty remarkable.

Accolades

Tasting Notes

Vivid, ruby-red color. The most feminine of the three Gravel Series Cabernet Sauvignons, this wine is floral, sultry, and nuanced. The bouquet highlights dried violet and lavender, complemented by notes of sweet red berry and a subtle hint of oak. Layered and concentrated, the palate has a beautiful balance with fresh, ripe raspberry on entry. Deeper tones of dried cherry and plum follow, adding complexity to this wine’s luscious texture. Round tannins leave the taster with lingering notes of spice, dark chocolate, and black fruit. Simply elegant, this stunning wine showcases its Oakville terroir and is drinking beautifully now with aging potential through the next 5 - 10 years.

Vineyard Notes

A key word for the 2014 vintage was early; early bud break, early veraison, and early harvest. Very warm conditions during spring and several well-timed rain showers brought about an early bud break. The result was very healthy vines leading into flowering and fruit set. The continued warm and dry weather throughout the summer and fall months led to the perfect amount of vine stress, allowing the fruit to profit from longer hang-time and to develop more concentrated flavors.

Winemaker Notes

The Gravel Streak: The soil of our Oakville site lies on a gravelly base overlaid with alluvial soils washed down from the Mayacamas mountain range. The gravelly foundation provides excellent water drainage, while a subtle slope allows excess water to flow into the Napa River; a perfect combination for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. This site experiences more maritime influence, with the fog layer lingering later in the morning and arriving earlier in the evening, leading to slightly cooler days and nights. These mild conditions produce wines with an elegant flavor profile and structure.

Technical Details

Type:

Red

Varietal:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:

California

Appellation:

Oakville

Vintage:

2014