97 Points
Etude Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley

Vintage 2014
Wine Type Red
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
Region Coombsville
Winemaker Jon Priest

The Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon is the fourth appellation wine to be introduced in our Cabernet series of very small bottlings dedicated to the benchland sub-appellations of Napa Valley.  This bottling is the first vintage of the Coombsville Cabernet and celebrates Etude’s long-term relationship with one of the most highly regarded winegrowers in Napa Valley.

Source: Coombsville, Napa Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification: Aged in French oak barrels (80% new) for 22 months
Cases Production: 219

97 Points - JamesSuckling.com

“This shows excellent character of what I call the Pauillac of Napa. So much lead pencil and blackcurrant character. Full body yet refined and polished with gorgeous tannins that are impressive and fine. Hints of mushroom and chocolate underneath. Drink or hold. Up to you.” - James Suckling, December 2017

94+ Points - Wine Advocate

“Very deep inky-purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville is a little closed at this stage with primary notes of crushed blackberries and black currants plus suggestions of cedar, black soil, Ceylon tea, tobacco leaf and bay leaves. The medium-bodied palate has this incredible intensity and energy with freshly crushed black fruits intermingled with earth and herbs notions, supported by firm, grippy tannins and great freshness, finishing long. Approachable now, it should cellar beautifully for 20+ years.” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, October 2017

Tasting Notes

The 2014 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful expression of this varietal, with layers of complexity. It exhibits intense blackberry, blueberry and black currant fruit characteristics, with an undercurrent of savory spice notes that include cinnamon, cedar, tea leaf and tobacco. This Cabernet has tremendous depth, concentration and balance, with well integrated firm tannins and a fresh, lengthy finish. Drinking very approachably now and will continue to age gracefully for many years to come.

Notes about the Vineyards

The Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon is the fourth appellation wine to be introduced in our Cabernet series of very small bottlings dedicated to the benchland sub-appellations of Napa Valley.  This bottling is the first vintage of the Coombsville Cabernet and celebrates Etude’s long-term relationship with one of the most highly regarded winegrowers in Napa Valley.  Grapes were sourced exclusively from the Meteor Vineyard, situated on gentle rolling hills within the Coombsville appellation.  The vines are strongly influenced by the cooling effects of the nearby San Pablo Bay, as well as the volcanic ash based soil, along with the elevation diversity provided by the Vaca mountain range.  Meteor Vineyard is carefully looked after by owners, Barry and Tracy Schuler and Vineyard Manager Mike Wolf, which allows the vineyard to be the home to some of Napa Valley’s most distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Napa Valley.

About the Vintage

Despite drought conditions, the 2014 vintage proved to be ideal, with excellent quality reminiscent of 2012.  The winter was one of the driest on record in California, but substantial rains in early spring were timely and set up the vines for a strong start.  Summer temperatures were milder than expected with no extremes, and after early bud break and veraison, harvest was unusually early in 2014.  The overall dry season made for a short harvest and was ideal for producing concentrated and balanced Cabernet Sauvignons.

Winemaking Note

Etude’s philosophy remains steadfast and this Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted with very minimal winemaking intervention.  The grapes were cold soaked for 3-5 days and an extended maceration period followed fermentation to help modify the depth and mouthfeel of the wine, and to fully extract color, flavor and aromatics.  The young wine was then racked into small French oak barrels where it aged for 22 months.

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