Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (750ML)

93-95+ WA / 93 VM

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard comes all from clone two and is raised all in new French oak. Showing a fresh, focused style as well as classic Bordeaux notes of black currants, tobacco leaf, graphite, violets and earth, it has the classic structure and tannic grip of Red Mountain to go with nicely integrated acidity, solid mid-palate concentration and a big finish. Chris's wines always have the fruit and texture to be approachable on release, but they'll benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring and evolve for upwards of two decades. -Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

(14.6% alcohol; mostly from clone 2, which Chris Upchurch says ripens a bit later and retains acidity well and also yields a floral wine for Red Mountain): Bright ruby-red. Rather claret-like aromas of plum, cassis and graphite. Sweet, plush, utterly seamless wine with terrific generosity to its concentrated flavors of currant, spices, shiso and graphite; a subtle floral element contributes lift. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and a suggestion of cilantro. Upchurch notes that his vineyard is planted at roughly the same elevation as Ciel du Cheval but on another plateau. Incidentally, the pH here is a reasonable 3.67. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

“91% Cabernet Sauvignon 9% Merlot, 100% new French Oak (Taransaud & Orion)The 2014 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet has a youthful nose of violets, cracked pepper, blueberries, sandalwood, cigar box and a whiff of smoke. This vintage has a great attack that includes delicious broad flavors of deep black cherries, cassis, sage and earthy characters. I particularly like the juicy savory acidity and precise tannin structure that flows into an incredibly long finish.

Approachable now, but it will continue to evolve for up to 2 decades.” -Winery