2014 Cappella

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The 2014 Cappella is gorgeous. Dark and mysterious in its shading, the 2014 is quite a bit darker and deeper than it usually is, with an almost somber tonality to its fruit and overall feel. Mocha, plum and spice develop in the glass, but the 2014 is really about texture at this stage. I love the breadth and expansiveness here. The 2014 is one of the most alluring Cappella's I can remember tasting.

Deeper, richer and more powerful, the 2014 Cappella incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the lineup and is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. It reveals classic minerality and earthiness to go with killer notes of blackberries, toasty oak, licorice, and spice. This seductive, opulent, full-bodied beauty has a stacked mid-palate, a deep, layered texture, ripe tannin, perfect balance, and a huge finish. It still plays in the more forward, sexy style of the vintage (it's actually one of the more drinkable releases today, despite having more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend) yet will keep for two to three decades. David Abreu and superstar winemaker Brad Grimes continue to fashion some of the most powerful, concentrated, yet seamless Bordeaux blends in the Valley. While I couldn’t visit during my trip through the region due to the fire (I tried, but a police barricade got in my way), I was able to taste the 2014s from bottle at my office in Colorado. The estate pulls from four separate vineyards and releases five cuvees; the Rothwell Hyde, Las Posadas, Cappella, Thorevilos, and Madrona Ranch. The Rothwell Hyde can be thought of as the entry-level wine based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec, all sourced from the four estate vineyards. Readers looking to experience the quality and style of the estate while note breaking the bank should start here. Purchased in 2000, the 15-acre Las Posadas Vineyard on Howell Mountain sits at an elevation around 2,000 feet above sea level, which puts it above the fog line. This wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, but like all the wines here, the blend can vary dramatically between vintages. The Cappella Vineyard covers a tiny 6 acres in St. Helena, just west of the town. Of all the cuvees, the Cappella normally incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Thorevilos Vineyard covers 22 acres planted in the white, volcanic ash soils located outside of St. Helena, just above the famous Meadowood Estate. The vines average roughly 25 years in age and this cuvee can include upwards of 30% or more of Cabernet Franc. Lastly, the Madrona Ranch covers 23 acres at the base of Spring Mountain and can be thought of as the home base from this estate. The vineyard is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (there are small amounts of Petit Verdot and Merlot), and this wine exemplifies the estate’s style with its mix of power, richness, and elegance. It’s worth noting the blends are never fix for each of the cuvees and change each vintage depending on how everything comes together in each vintage. These are magically wines by Brad Grimes.