2014 Whitehall Lane Winery & Vineyards Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA (750ml)

TASTING NOTES:

Another 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Leonardini Estate was still in barrel, waiting to be bottled after 27 months in 65% new French oak. Sweet cedary notes intermixed with licorice, tobacco leaf, blackcurrant and blackberry are all present in this wine, which has terrific fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, low acidity, and good purity and richness.

– Robert Parker, 93 pts.

Tomato leaf, dried herb and cedar are offered on the nose and palate of this wine, which is well-integrated in oak. Full-bodied and grippy, it’s youthful in structure, with final notes of pencil shavings and focused acidity.

– Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

This is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a deep, intense color and a distinct fruit center that begins with black cherry, violet and currant aromas. It is well balanced, elegant and sleek on the palate, delivering very long berry and cherry flavors through to the finish. The underlying tannin structure, complexity and ample fruit guarantees rewards to the patient collector.