Wine Advocate Scores
We are excited to announce the results of Jeb Dunnuck’s most recent trip to Walla Walla. While we all know the power of the 2013 vintage, especially for Cabernet, we have also been touting the magnificence of the 2014 vintage.
“Looking at the 2014 vintage …the wines possess more mid-palate depth, concentration and sweetness to their tannin. This is a terrific vintage for the region—only slightly behind 2012 and 2010, yet a step up over 2013 and 2011. As to the wines, these are ripe, sexy wines that still show purity and freshness…they have what should be treasured by the true wine lovers and drinkers out there—upfront charm, beautiful drinkability and impeccable balance.”
We fully agree with Jeb’s assessment of 2014 and believe it does rival 2010 and 2012. While these wines drink well now, they will age for the long term.
We have a few of the reviewed wines in stock. If you would like to add to your cellar, please click here. As always, thank you for your support of Gramercy Cellars.
We couldn’t resist posting another quote from Jeb.
“I compared the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (86% Cabernet, 10% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot) to a top Margaux last year when I tasted if from barrel, and I stand by that comparison today”
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon “Reserve” Columbia Valley 97 pts
More complex and nuanced than Columbia Valley, as well as deeper and richer, with more length, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot) offers classic black currants, dried flowers, spice and licorice aromas and flavors. Elegant, full-bodied, ethereally textured and incredibly elegant, give bottles another 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. Gramercy has continued to make strides with their Bordeaux variety releases, and this is easily one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in the vintage. Bravo!
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 94 pts
I compared the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (86% Cabernet, 10% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot) to a top Margaux last year when I tasted if from barrel, and I stand by that comparison today. Sandalwood, kirsch, black currants and floral notes all emerge from this beautiful, silky, impeccably polished and balanced Cabernet that has no hard edges, medium to full-bodied richness and a seamless profile that makes it impossible to resist. It’s going to keep for 15+ years.
2014 Syrah “John Lewis” Walla Walla Valley 95 pts
Notably more fresh and lively than the Lagniappe Syrah, the 2014 Syrah John Lewis is a pretty, perfumed effort that has classic notes of blueberries, spice box, lavender and olives. Medium to full-bodied, structured and tannic, it has nicely integrated acidity, a beautiful mid-palate and a great finish. Forget bottles for 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.
2014 Syrah “Forgotten Hills” Walla Walla Valley 93 pts
From a vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA, the 2014 Syrah Forgotten Hills (100% Syrah) offers a fresh, perfumed and classic style from this estate. Spring flowers, black and blue fruits, lots of pepper and sappy herbs notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless Syrah that has notable complexity, character and depth.
2014 Syrah “The Deuce” Walla Walla Valley 93 pts
The estate’s Walla Walla Valley Syrah, the 2014 Syrah The Deuce sports a deep ruby color to go with classic Walla Walla notes of plums, blueberries, leafy herbs and peppered meats. Ripe, supple, medium to full-bodied and elegant, it has considerable polish and purity, and shines more for its finesse and elegance than power or impact. It’s going to drink beautifully for a decade.
2014 Syrah “Lagniappe” Columbia Valley 94+ pts
A big, powerful example of this cuvee, the 2014 Syrah Lagniappe comes from the Red Willow, Forgotten Hills and Minick vineyards and is 100% Syrah. It offers a deep, rich bouquet of smoked herbs, cured meats, blackcurrants and pepper. This is followed by a powerful, tannic red that has full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth and a big finish. I was surprised by the tannin in this cuvee and it showed quite a bit differently (more fresh and lively) from barrel. Nevertheless, it’s a serious wine that need 2-3 years of bottle age.
2014 Syrah Columbia Valley 93 pts
Olive tapenade, licorice, smoked herbs and plenty of peppery black fruits emerge from the 2014 Columbia Valley Syrah, and it’s medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated and beautifully textured. It’s another smoking wine from this estate that has real character and depth.
