2014 Kerr Cellars Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Reserve Red is pliant, medium in body and gracious. Dark cherry, chocolate, espresso and fine, silky tannins add to the wine's considerable near and medium term appeal. This is an especially finessed style. Even so, like a lot of wines from this vintage, the 2014 feels like it is going through a slightly closed phase. I found it a bit more expressive and giving last fall. The 2014 is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon from Missouri Hopper and 45% Merlot from Houyi.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A big step up from the 2013, the 2014 Reserve Red is gorgeous. Inky and richly textured on the palate, the 2014 possesses striking depth and intensity. Graphite, smoke, licorice, violet and crème de cassis infuse the textured, salivating finish. The 2014 is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon from Missouri Hopper and 45% Merlot from Houyi.
The 2014 Reserve Proprietary Red doesn’t have the structure of the 2013, but then few 2014s do. Nevertheless, what it lacks in structure and tannin it makes up for in its suppleness, wonderful succulence and fleshy mouthfeel. Dense purple, like its older sibling, with the blueberry and black raspberry notes and a flowery essence, this full-bodied, silky textured wine should drink beautifully for the next 15-20 years.
The 2014 Napa Valley Reserve is a blend of Missouri Hopper Cabernet Sauvignon and Houyi Merlot. Deep, dense and powerful, the 2014 has aged well, but it is also fully mature. Any remaining bottles need to be finished. Macerated black cherry, truffle, leather and cedar linger. The key takeaway from tasting the 2014 is how much the wines have improved since then.