2014 Rudius "Panek Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“The deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard (all 337 clone, aged 33 months in oak) opens with earthy notes of mossy bark, tilled black soil and black truffles over a core of cassis, blueberries and warm plums with touches of menthol and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with blue and black fruits, supported with a firm, grainy backbone and a lively line, finishing with great length and depth. 220 cases made. (LPB)” (10/2018)

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is dense, powerful and beautifully resonant in the glass. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, crème de cassis, menthol, toasty new oak spice and licorice abound. What I like most about the Panek is the wine's freshness and energy, two qualities that are not easy to achieve in this northern sector of St. Helena, and that serve to balance the intensity of the fruit. Best of all, the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. (AG)” (12/2018)

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is straight up classic Napa Valley all the way. Coming from a site north of Saint Helena and vines planted in 2005 (originally planted to Zinfandel) and seeing an extended élevage of 33 months in barrel, its saturated purple color is followed by terrific crème de cassis, blueberry, graphite/lead pencil, chocolate, and ample spice. More unevolved and backward than the other 2014s from winemaker Jeff Ames, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age but will have 2-3 decades of longevity. 93+” (06/2018)

“Tight and very layered with a powerful and intense center palate. Full body and chewy tannins. Juicy with lots of flavor. Needs three to four years to soften.” (05/2018)