Budbreak came early in 2014 due to a warm spring, and the vines set tiny berries following one of the driest winters on record. Moving into summer, the weather turned mild, giving us a perfect long, cool ripening season. The result was dark, concentrated wines that exhibit a singular gravitas. Our inaugural single-vineyard Sunbasket Cabernet Sauvignon displays the characteristic bright cherries I expect from this vineyard, joined by rich raspberry and cassis nuance. Supple, velvety tannins, stony minerality, and hints of baking spices and anise round out the juicy flavors. Exuberant floral notes of violets and dried roses jump out of the glass, dancing with the fruit. With more than a year in the bottle, this wine is blossoming into its first, fruit-driven peak.
- Cathy Corison