The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Patriarch matches the 2015 and is a seriously impressive, classic, age-worthy wine from winemaker Todd Graff. With boatloads of plums, violets, licorice, toasted spice and incense aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, concentrated mid-palate, building tannin, and a great, great finish. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 75% new French oak, it has another 20-25 years of longevity ahead of it. 96+

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Patriarch (100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford) is named to honor the 99th year of the Frank legacy. (The patriotic history of the Franks, authored by Rich Franks, is well worth reading on the back label.) The fruit for this wine is culled out from the Winston Hill Vineyard. Somewhat similar in style to the Winston Hill Cabernet, this wine is flawless, seamless, voluptuous, and a total intellectual and hedonistic turn-on. Dense ruby/purple, with glorious levels of black currant and blackberry fruit as well as some cherries thrown in for extra dimension, it is full-bodied, silky smooth, and a terrific example of California world-class winemaking. It is approachable and delicious already, but it will be better in 5-6 years and no doubt last for 25-30. A worthy bottle from a patriotic family, for sure! (RP) 96+

Blueberry, stone and slate aromas with black licorice. Full body, a solid core of fruit and a silky tannin texture. Better in 2020. Yet so pretty and cool now — in both senses of the word.