2014 Hidden Hillside Reserve 3 Bottle Combo
About the Vintage: The 2014 vintage was an upside surprise following two of the most prolific vintages in California harvest history with the enormous 2012 and hyper concentrated 2013. One could only expect that the draught and run of great vintages would throw us a curveball in 2014… we were very thankful for simplicity of the amazing 2014 vintage. It was one of the prettiest vintages in history, the sorting team had little work to do with uniform ripeness, slightly lower yields, small berry size and the nice pace of the harvest. It was and the Wine Spectator has already coined the 2014 vintage as the “GOAT” - Greatest of All-Time…. We of course are not in a position to make that declaration but we may have made our most definitive wines. The purity of expression, the elegance, the long-aging nature of the fruit (great acid, and balance) the freshness - all in one vintage, was hard to expect and certainly a welcome result for our young brand.
Winemaker Tasting Notes: The purity of 2014 amplified by two special lots, the Montecillo Vineyard in Sonoma Valley and the Madrone Spring Vineyard in Rockpile, and one special barrel. Dark, floral, spicy, dried herb, and underbrush give way to purple plum, dark cherry, cracked black pepper, gravel, stone, and creme brulee. The elevated acidity from hillsides fruit ensures this wine will age gracefully for a decade or more. Tasting from all our barrels; this was our favorite barrel - 100% new french oak - 1 barrel produced approx 24 cases / 288 bottles.
95 Points + 3 Puffs - Connoisseurs' Guide
10% Petite Sirah. Absolutely saturated in color and every bit as concentrated as its appearance indicates, this intense, deeply draughted Zinfandel fully lives up to the very high standards that its label predicts. It is big wine, but it is one that does not play to over-the-top ripeness and is instead fixed on unwavering varietal fruit in its ample aromas, flavors and finish. It is also one that is both polished and structured with a great sense of reserve that confidently points the way to a long and most promising future, and it sets a Zinfandel standard that is equaled by few.
95 Points - 3 Puffs - Connoisseurs Guide:
10% Petite Syrah. Absolutely saturated in color and every bit as concentrated as its appearance indicates, this intense, deeply draughted Zinfandel fully lives up to the very high standards that its label predicts. It is big wine, but it is one that does not play to over-the-top ripeness and is instead fixed on unwavering varietal fruit in its ample aromas, flavors and finish. It is also one that is both polished and structured with a great sense of reserve that confidently points the way to a long and most promising future, and it sets a Zinfandel standard that is equaled by few.