91 Points - Wine Spectator
2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Monitor Ledge Vineyard
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Monitor Ledge is named for an outcropping of rock in the mountains overlooking the vineyard and has been an important component of Duckhorn Vineyards wine blends since 1985. Located on the alluvial fan of Selby Creek and featuring lean, well-draining soils that force the small berry-producing vines to struggle, Monitor Ledge benefits from excellent sun exposure that consistently produces ideal ripening. This unique wine displays exceptional intensity and structure alongside rich dark berry elements and complex barrel flavors.
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
92
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 85% New, 15% Neutral
Winemaker Notes
The nose offers intense aromas of blackberry and blueberry, along with layers of sweet vanilla and toasty barrel spice from aging in French oak. The blackberry and blueberry notes continue on the palate, where they mingle with hints of raspberry, graham cracker crust, cinnamon and sage. Refined tannins and a firm structure provide lovely weight to the mid-palate, with hints of dusty chocolate and spice adding length and complexity to the finish.
Production
Here in Napa Valley, the 2014 growing season delivered our third exceptional vintage in a row, yielding wines with ideal concentration, elegant tannins and lovely varietal flavors. Though the 2013/2014 winter was one of the driest on record, heavy rains in February and March provided the vines much-needed moisture at just the right time. A warm spring triggered an early budbreak, and perfect weather throughout the summer allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness with pure, focused flavors and resolved tannins. Harvest began on August 5th and ended on October 15th, and though it was quite compact, we were able to pick all of our grapes based solely on flavor, resulting in another fantastic vintage.
Other Notes
Released: September 2017
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Monitor Ledge Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 16 - 20, 2014
Sugar
25.5° Brix
Acid
0.58 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.82
Aging
18 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
10-12 days fermentation at 82°F
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
92