Tasting Notes
Jane Anson 98
A library release for this superb wine, approaching 10 years old and a wonderful time to drink. Softened by waves of tobacco, cocoa bean and truffle, melted into plump blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, still showcasing energy and clarity of intent. Love the nuance and drawn out concentration. Great stuff from Andy and Annie Erickson, shining a light on one of the most interesting corners of Napa with the precison of their winemaking, from a vintage that was dry but not overly hot, harvesting the 40 year old Cabernet Franc vines well into October. 50% new French oak barrels, bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2038
The Wine Independent 95
The 2014 Cerro Sur, 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep garnet-brick in color. Notes of redcurrant preserves, blackberry pie, and plum pudding jump from the glass, with hints of iron ore, tilled soil, and wild sage plus a waft of cigar box. The full-bodied palate is mature yet still possesses plenty of energetic black fruits, with a firm, grainy texture and seamless acidity, finishing long and ferrous.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2034
Robert Parker 94+
The 2014 Cerro Sur is 83% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits good structure, lots of oak, plenty of tannin, and is a bigger, beefier version of a Cabernet Franc-dominated wine than its sibling, La Magdalena. This wine begs for another 2-3 years of bottle age, when it should open up and display more nuances. The color is a dense ruby/purple, the fruit pure and rich, with blueberry and black raspberry infused with flowery notes and forest floor. This medium to full-bodied wine should be at its best in 3-4 years and keep for 20 or more.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2040
Vinous 95
The 2014 Cerro Sur is gorgeous. Fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated, the 2014 speaks to energy above all else. Floral notes from the Cabernet Franc give the wine its aromatic intensity and lift, but at the same time, the wine is weightless, precise and lifted. The 2014 could use another few years in bottle. Today, it is brisk and finely cut, not to mention striking in its beauty.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2034