2014 Volker Eisele Family Estate Napa Valley, California Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L

Organically farmed since 1974, the vineyard reflects the passion of the Eisele family’s commitment to grow exceptional grapes and produce elegant estate wines. Year in and year out, the Eiseles demonstrate that all great wines begin in the vineyard.

2014 was an exceptional year for Napa Valley wines — one of the best of the decade. For its 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, the Eisele family selected grapes grown in several vineyard blocks, added Merlot to lend roundness to the cuvee, and aged the wine for nearly two years in French oak barrels.

On the palate, the wine enters soft and voluptuous, filling the mouth with cherry and berry flavors. The finish has a core of soft black fruit flavors in the middle, surrounded by cedar tannins. Perfectly balanced, it’s drinking beautifully now but is built to age — a wine worthy of holiday celebrations.