The 2014 Proprietary Red is comprised of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is still very primary and comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant crushed blueberries, black cherries, blackcurrants and violets notes with suggestions of dark chocolate, cast iron pan, lavender and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, firm, very finely crafted and possessing great finesse, it finishes long and layered.

A raw, intense wine, the 2014 Continuum reveals serious intensity. Next to some of the more recent vintages, the 2014 is a bit more lithe and linear in feel, but like the 2013, it shows darker tonalities of fruit and terrific energy. Mocha, black cherries, graphite and cloves add the final shades of nuance. Although it is early, the 2014 is shaping up very nicely.

100% estate grown and made. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot. With fresher fruits on the nose – fresh plum, mix of cherry notes and a bit of pink grapefruit that persist through the long finish – and good structure as well as a balance of tannin and acidity. The mid palate reveals notes of cocoa nib and desert sage as well as just the lightest bit of coffee. There is a slightly more lifted overall presentation, especially after the 2013, but with more structural seriousness than the 2012. This wine will benefit from decanting but is also ready to drink for a balance of fresh notes with just enough age to soften the tannin. Nice wine. (ECB)