Gundlach Bundschu 2014 Cabernet

Gundlach Bundschu Sonoma Cabernet is shy – it doesn’t reveal itself quickly. Napa Cabernets often announce themselves as the life of the party but GunBun Cabs are serious, dark and deep with lots of food-friendly tannin. They’re designed to age, Bordeaux-style. Cooler nights and cooler mornings help shape our style of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as our meticulous handwork in the vineyards. The grapes need a long time to ripen to perfection and thus, are the first vines we prune since they need that extra time to develop. With this grape, patience is key to creating beautiful, vineyard-driven wine. In general, we pick Cabernet Sauvignon around Halloween before the rain arrives for the winter, then optically sort them with as much gentle handing as possible.

Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec

Alcohol: 14.8%

90 POINTS - "Rich, smoky cassis, raspberry and cherry flavors define this estate wine. It's lush, round, powerful and full-bodied, with moderate structure and oak, seasoned with cinnamon and chocolate notes." - Wine Enthusiast

90 POINTS - "This opaque and very dark ruby colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Gundlach Bundschu opens with a black currant bouquet with a hint of oak and blackberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and approachable. The flavor profile is a tasty black currant with notes of blackberry and vanilla oak. I also detected a hint of plum mixed in as well. The finish is dry and its tannins are very sticky and tingly. They last for a very long time. I would decant this very nice Cab and pair it with a rib roast. Enjoy " - Ken's Wine Guide

Blessed as the third great Cabernet Sauvignon vintage in a row, 2014 is like a culmination of the previous two: the lush fruit and approachability of 2012 and 2013’s power and structure. Invitingly lavish aromas and flavors of dark fruits and berries intermingled with espresso, cocoa, and warm baking spices are buoyed by the velvety texture and precise acidity. Fine tannins linger to keep this welcoming invitation open for more exploration now or into the distant future.