2014 Lawer Family Wines Napa Valley, California Cabernet Sauvignon

One is Calistoga at the top of the valley. “More than a decade ago we fell in love with Calistoga and purchased our vineyard property,” Lawer Estates co-owner Betsy Lawer tells us.

Lawer Estates is a family-owned, limited-production winery known for sustainably grown, terroir-driven wines. The special characteristics, terroir and microclimates of the estate vineyards inspired the family to create one-of-a-kind wines. Those vineyards nurture a diverse range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2014 Cabernet exhibits a good depth of color with various shades of red while introducing a complex array of aromas. The wine has sweet berry flavors along with pepper and vanilla attributes — evidence of the barrel maturation — and well-structured tannin that completes the wine and leaves lingering, mature flavors. No wonder it was a Double Gold and Best of Class winner at the East Meets West Wine Competition.