Galerie 2014 Pleinair Cabernet Sauvignon

Pleinair presents Galerie's interpretation of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The name refers to the French painters' method of painting outdoors (en plein air), which developed around the same time as Napa's first European-style vineyards in the 1800s. Fruit from vineyards with diverse soil types brings complexity and depth to the finished wine, which shows rich black fruit, spice and floral notes with a firm tannin structure and balanced acidity.

Alcohol: 14.5%

94 POINTS - "The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pleinair (there’s a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) comes from Napa Valley and was brought up just under 60% new French oak. It’s a beautiful, classic – elegant even – Cabernet that has loads of crème de cassis, lead pencil, graphite, and tobacco nuances. It’s very much in the style of the 2014 vintage with its medium to full body, no hard edges, beautiful balance, and sweet tannins. As Napa Valley Cabernet goes, it’s also a stunning value. This beauty is capable of drinking well for at least 10-15 years." - Jeb Dunnuck

93 POINTS - "The 2014 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon called Pleinair is a blend of 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is aged 20 months in 58% new French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine has a similarity to a top-flight St.-Julien from Bordeaux. Loads of Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, tobacco leaf, black currants and spice box all jump from the glass and from the flavors of this round, juicy, medium to full-bodied wine with silky tannins. Drink it over the next 15 or so years." - Robert Parker

91 POINTS - "Grainy and gritty in texture at first, this wine finds a smooth roundedness on the midpalate that follows it through the bright acidity and punches of red plum and cherry. Ultimately rich and full-bodied, it offers a touch of reduction on the finish that presents as complex and intriguing." - Wine Enthusiast

The 2014 Galerie Napa Valley Pleinair is a big but elegant expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. Deep purple, it opens with aromas of cassis, currants and wild berries and follows with tobacco, graphite, bay leaf and licorice, finishing with layers of flavors and a well-balanced, long mouthfeel with elegant tannins.