.

9.3

A terrific showing for this wine, which is still youthful at age 7. It’s delicious on opening but 4 hours of air and the bouquet is gorgeous. Lots of floral notes and a touch of wood smoke. In the mouth, the dark-toned fruit is freshened by good acidity. There’s also a minerally streak on the back end that reminds me of Mike’s Pellet Vineyard cabs. Really excellent, and with years to go. — 6 years ago

David Kline

8.9

Lemon-lime, ruby grapefruit, hop pellet, hamster food. Actually was fairly easy to lift, even to the dizzying height of my head holes. Go figure. Key lime, lemongrass, plump and session-able IPA here. Soft and fruity midsection leads to a round, if somewhat pointier climax, showing us its melon and citrus hops and even a spicy, comforting note, reminding us to gently lift, using our legs, not our backs! Indian elephants are lighter than their African counterparts by at least 1000kg. (2205lbs less) You can almost curl them! — 9 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 14 Cabernet is a blend is 82% Cabernet, 9% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. On the nose; ruby, elegant, black berries, black plum, dark cherries, poached strawberries, soft spice, anise, soft baking spices, dark rich soils and red & dark florals. The entry is rich, thick, full bodied elegance. The tannins are M+. Fruits are; blackberries, plum, black plum, dark cherries and black raspberries. Nice spices follow, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, violets & red fresh florals, rich dark soils, leather, tobacco, graphite, crushed dry rocks, underbrush with nice round acidity and a round, lush, elegant finish. Photos of; a wide shot of Pepper Bridge, Artifex custom crush facility, Winemaker, Jean-François Pellet and the view from their terrace. Producer notes...born and raised in Switzerland, Winemaker Jean-François Pellet is a third-generation wine grower. He earned degrees in both enology and viticulture. As part of his studies, he interned in Switzerland, Germany and the Napa Valley. After graduating, he managed vineyards and made wine in Switzerland and Spain. After his time in Europe, his experience and reputation brought him to Heitz Cellars in the Napa Valley, where he worked for four years. Pepper Bridge recruited him out of Heitz and he moved to Walla Walla to become that winery's creative force. His success at Pepper Bridge afforded him the opportunity to join the Amavi partnership. Jean-François Pellet is also a partner in Artifex, the areas very successful custom crush facility. Additionally, he is also a founding member and current vice-president of the Walla Walla Valley's sustainable agriculture organization, VINEA. Quite a resume! It was a pleasure meeting him. He is a very kind person and an extremely knowledgeable Winemaker. Thank you for all of your time & knowledge during our visit.
— 7 years ago

Nic Anderson

9.3

Had this with a tri-tip roast on the pellet grill. Excellent pairing — 7 years ago

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9.1

Keeping the Mike Smith vibe going with another '09 cab. There's a nice streak of minerality running through this that reminds me of Mike's Pellet cabs. That would be a fun side-by-side comparison if I had more Spring Mtn cab. Unfortunately, this was my only bottle. — 7 years ago

Frank Lin

9.0

Very easy on the pellet. Very lovely wine — 9 years ago