The 2014 Black Sears Estate Cabernet Sauvignon posesses a rare harmony in fruit and structure that allowed early drinking as well as improvement with aging. It is rich, fruit-driven, and shows a wonderful aromatic tension, balanced palate, and vivid finish. This is very much a site-driven vintage, seemingly unaffected by the drought, the spiking weather patterns during the growing season, or even the big earthquake of August 24.

The nose resonates with aromas of baking spices, warm cedar mulch, coffee, and cocoa. On the palate, this high-elevation Cabernet delivers classic Howell Mountain notes of charred meat, bramble, cranberry compote, crushed rock, and an uplifting dried herb finish that is clean and lasts for just enough time to leave a structured impression.