Octagon2014

54.99

Library Vintages

Octagon

A wine of highly distinctive character, achieved in blending estate-grown Bordeaux varietals, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Octagon’s great prestige rests further on its being created only in fine vintages, and with the most astute selection from the harvest. But it is also the highest expression of our estate’s European derivation and inspiration; a wine of distinction and age worthiness in every incarnation.

 

Featured Profile

Octagon at the core

Year

2014

Cellar Life

20yrs

A single, light frost at the outset of the season inflicted minor crop losses, but thereafter a pattern stabilized of moderate rain, and daytime temperatures never approaching hot ranges. In the crucial last 6 weeks of the growing season, from early September to mid-October, we enjoyed a period of consistent high pressure, with clear blue sky, warm days and cool evenings which ultimately allowed us to harvest at optimal times. A signature of this vintage is that the reds bear a higher than average acidity, extravagant texture, fragrant aromatics - gifts of the cooler season.

JamesSuckling.com 96 points
Beverage Testing Institute, World Wine Championship, 2016 Gold Medal & The Award of Excellence
Critics Challenge International California, 2016 Critics' Gold
San Francisco Chronicle 2016 Gold Medal
Sommelier Challenge International, 2017 Gold Medal
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Gold Medal
Wine Spectator, Thomas Matthews 90 Points
Town Point Virginia (Norfolk) Wine Competition, 2017 Platinum Medal
Fermentation 6-10 days on the skins in stainless steel
Maceration 15 days
Composition Merlot 58%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Cabernet Sauvignon 6%, Petit Verdot 21%
Aging 12 months French oak barriques, new 40%, used 60%
Analysis Alcohol, 13.5%
Residual Sugars, 0.0%
Total Acidity, 0.57%

Food Pairings

Osso buco alla veneziana

Chicken braised in Octagon and black olives

Sage and walnut-crusted lamb chop in rosemary jus

Tasting Notes

Nearly opaque bright dark violet color; bright, roasted aromas and flavors of baked berries, coffee beans, and dark chocolate with an even, lively, dryish body; warming, complex marinated cherries and beets, nut skins, with chewy, dusty tannins and moderate oak. Very dry, old-world style.

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