2014 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard

From a site on Diamond Mountain, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard is as black and inky as it gets, yet offers profound elegance and purity. Cassis, blueberries, liquid rock, graphite, scorched earth and white flower notes all flow to a massive Cabernet Sauvignon that stays balanced, pure, silky and elegant, with building tannin. This beauty is off the charts, and unquestionably one of the greats of the vintage. (12/2017)

From the iconic site atop the mighty mountain appellation, Rainin is exotic in forest, soy and sage notes, with a powerful and densely layered tannin structure. Black pepper, plum and leather are made all the more complex by a tease of rocky ash that gives the wine a distinct mineral character and earthiness. This is one for cellaring. Enjoy 2024–2034. *Cellar Selection* (VB) (2/2018)

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard has a beguiling nose of menthol, lilacs, chocolate box and lavender over a core of blueberry compote, blackberry preserves and smoked meat, plus wafts of bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Big, rich, concentrated and with seriously intense perfumed fruit in the mouth, it has a firm, seamless structure of grainy tannins and lively acidity, finishing with epically long-lasting savory and spice notions. (LPB) 97+ (10/2017)

Hall's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rainin Vineyard, from a site on Diamond Mountain, is stellar. Graphite, smoke, new leather, gravel, blackberry jam and dark spice are some of the many notes that meld together. A large, powerful Cabernet, the Rainin also possesses quite a bit of detail, especially for a wine of its size. The potent mountain tannins need time to soften. Even so, this is a superb wine. (AG) 95+ (3/2018)

Pure and fleshy, even a touch soft, but full of flavor, with easy-to-enjoy notes of plum, blackberry and anise. Ends long and clean, with a little more traction and backbone. Drink now through 2030. (JL) (11/2017)