Rivers-Marie
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Inky purple with aromas of blackberry jam, plum, chocolate, violets, and menthol. Juicy dark fruit predominant on the palate with soft tannins, 14.5% alcohol, and a long, minty finish. Drinking a bit like a California Syrah or Aussie Shiraz at this point.
Inky purple with aromas of blackberry jam, plum, chocolate, violets, and menthol. Juicy dark fruit predominant on the palate with soft tannins, 14.5% alcohol, and a long, minty finish. Drinking a bit like a California Syrah or Aussie Shiraz at this point.
Aug 10th, 2018
Not as open as some other Napa 2014s. Showing the classic RM cab profile, and drinkable now but really needs a 3 hour decant to soften up.
Not as open as some other Napa 2014s. Showing the classic RM cab profile, and drinkable now but really needs a 3 hour decant to soften up.
Feb 24th, 2018
Wow. Simply outstanding.
There are a variety of things that make me believe in the comment above. Foremost are the tannins. Which, to some, may seem like an odd place to start. But, for me, I have been on a run of poorly integrated, overbearing tannins that make me think the wine will be drinkable when I'm nearing an age closer to death. This cuvée has a lovely fine grained tannin that allows the wine to sing. It is beautifully complementary and a testament that excellent wine can be made and enjoyed early in its life.
The oak treatment is a close second. Aged in 50% new oak, this balances and rounds everything out wonderfully.
Third, #QPR. amazing value at $65.
A winner!
Wow. Simply outstanding.
There are a variety of things that make me believe in the comment above. Foremost are the tannins. Which, to some, may seem like an odd place to start. But, for me, I have been on a run of poorly integrated, overbearing tannins that make me think the wine will be drinkable when I'm nearing an age closer to death. This cuvée has a lovely fine grained tannin that allows the wine to sing. It is beautifully complementary and a testament that excellent wine can be made and enjoyed early in its life.
The oak treatment is a close second. Aged in 50% new oak, this balances and rounds everything out wonderfully.
Third, #QPR. amazing value at $65.
A winner!
Yum. Rating may be conservative - this was lovely
Yum. Rating may be conservative - this was lovely
1 person found it helpfulNov 21st, 2016As with other '14s I've had it's out ahead of the '13s at this point. A very rich dark fruited wine, but light on tannic structure especially given how young it is and how strong the tannins showed on this wine in '13. It's drinking great already so that just tells me to drink these up while the '13s rest for a couple more years!
As with other '14s I've had it's out ahead of the '13s at this point. A very rich dark fruited wine, but light on tannic structure especially given how young it is and how strong the tannins showed on this wine in '13. It's drinking great already so that just tells me to drink these up while the '13s rest for a couple more years!
Jun 17th, 2017My first of the '14s. Much more open than the '13 already, this is one to drink while those continue to rest. A bit more restrained than the '12, the fruit profile leans a bit darker, the oak is already nicely in balance, and the tannins are mild. These will be enjoyable over the next several years.
My first of the '14s. Much more open than the '13 already, this is one to drink while those continue to rest. A bit more restrained than the '12, the fruit profile leans a bit darker, the oak is already nicely in balance, and the tannins are mild. These will be enjoyable over the next several years.
Mar 12th, 2017Seriously scintillating. Bottled poetry in my mouth right now.
Seriously scintillating. Bottled poetry in my mouth right now.
Feb 25th, 2017
Sadly didn’t have enough time to evaluate well. It was very good. Still has long life ahead of it. Got one more to try in 5-10 (or longer).
Sadly didn’t have enough time to evaluate well. It was very good. Still has long life ahead of it. Got one more to try in 5-10 (or longer).
Jan 1st, 2023