Wine Reviews 2014 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com <span>Feb. 16, 2023</span>
There are 804 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon VHR, a beautifully seamless, full-bodied, ultra-refined 2014 that shows the round, supple, sexy style of the vintage. Offering lots of ripe black fruits, spring flowers, lead pencil, and even a hint of iron, it has remarkable purity, that rare mix of richness and elegance, supple yet present tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to evolve nicely for another two decades. 97 pts.
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com <span>Sept. 21, 2022</span>
Such balance and precision now, with blackcurrants, raspberries and hint of walnut husk. The tannins are totally resolved, with a creamy texture and a tangy and fresh finish. Lovely tension and focus at the end. In a very good place. Drinking beautifully now. 97 pts.
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com <span>Nov. 13, 2021</span>
Very bright, healthy, deep crimson. Very pure nose with an undertow of blackberries. Still quite a bit of tannin and acidity on the finish. Fresh inkiness. Graphite and a dry finish. Vibrant with energy. Light, dry, fine tannins. Really very luxurious and pleasing already. 18.5 pts. Drinking window: 2018–2035
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, vinous.com <span>Dec. 2016</span>
Vine Hill Ranch’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is magnificent. A wine of regal purity and finesse, the 2014 exudes pedigree from the very first taste. Then again, this is one of the finest sites in all of Napa Valley. The flavors are bright and precise, while the wine retains considerable freshness. Dark cherry jam, spice, rose petal and leather are some of the many notes that take shape as the 2014 continues to open up in the glass. Powerful and dense, the 2014 is a super-classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that will drink well for 20-30 years, perhaps more. In two tastings several weeks apart, the 2014 showed beautifully. In a word: magnificent! 97+ pts.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, vinous.com <span>Oct. 2015</span>
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be a real jewel of a wine. Tasted from a preliminary blend, the 2014 comes across as a smaller-scaled version of the 2013. The dark flavor profile and overall vibrancy are similar, but the 2014 is a bit more linear, with a distinctly Old World-leaning profile of graphite, smoke, game and licorice. Energy and intensity are the principal signatures. In 2014, winemaker Françoise Peschon left the wines on the skins a bit longer than normal, as extractions were slow. 94–97 pts.