Napa Valley The good news: 2014 was a dream vintage, with quality along the lines of 2012 and 2013. Analysis: Napa Valley’s harvest was unusually early this year, not surprising given the state’s ongoing drought, which was so extreme that the cover crops in many vineyards never took hold.
What are the best years for Cabernet?
2001, 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009 are considered the best vintages, producing stunning, complex red wines. But, 2006 should not be overlooked, as it created cabernets that are concentrated and age-worthy.
Was 2014 a good year for wine?
The good news: 2014 was a dream vintage, with quality along the lines of 2012 and 2013. The bad news: Not much to complain about, though drought conditions and small crop size did prove to be minor irritants. Picking started: Everything was ready to go in early- to mid-August, even Cabernet Sauvignon, which usually ripens much later.
What is a good rating for Cabernet Sauvignon?
United States California/Cabernet/Napa < Return to All Regions Vintage ratings: 95-100, classic; 90-94, outstanding; 85-89, very good; 80-84, good; 75-79, mediocre; 50-74, not recommended A score range indicates preliminary analysis based on barrel samples and/or a limited sampling; many wines of the vintage not yet reviewed.
What happened to California’s wine in 2014?
In the first of five 2014 vintage reports, California winegrowers up and down the coast are breathing a deep sigh of relief. While the state still suffers from drought conditions, which lowered yields in many spots, well-timed rains kept vines growing and a sunny summer and fall meant ripe grapes.
Was 2014 a good year for Santa Barbara County wine?
Analysis: Most Santa Barbara County vintners are calling 2014 the third in a string of excellent vintages. A mild winter, normal to early budbreak and a mild summer lead to an early harvest. But it was a shorter growing season.
