Maybach Family Vineyards
Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
2014 Napa cabs are in a sweet spot for the “fruit forward” stage of wines without ripping the enamel off your teeth. TRB is a favorite winemaker of mine for his ability to pull the entire fruit spectrum (red, blue, black), when applicable, which is evident here.
This is a pop and pour for the big fruit loving Napa enthusiasts (which I can enjoy ever so often). It is uber ripe and high toned...not quite sporting levels of EA, but close. With this being Calistoga fruit, it undoubtedly shows that warm profile. There is a kiss of red fruit initially on the nose before it is dominated by freshly squeezed blackberries, creme de cassis, dark chocolate, mocha and dark mixed berry pie. It begins on the palate somewhat lighter than expected before picking up steam and really gaining heft/density on the mid palate. Just oozes fresh and ripe dark fruits, fondue dipped fruits, plenty of baking spices like vanilla and nutmeg, and a sweet finish that sails on for a good while. Completely smooth and soft tannin. Not failing off a cliff for a while, but this style has me thinking earlier consumption is best.
2014 Napa cabs are in a sweet spot for the “fruit forward” stage of wines without ripping the enamel off your teeth. TRB is a favorite winemaker of mine for his ability to pull the entire fruit spectrum (red, blue, black), when applicable, which is evident here.
This is a pop and pour for the big fruit loving Napa enthusiasts (which I can enjoy ever so often). It is uber ripe and high toned...not quite sporting levels of EA, but close. With this being Calistoga fruit, it undoubtedly shows that warm profile. There is a kiss of red fruit initially on the nose before it is dominated by freshly squeezed blackberries, creme de cassis, dark chocolate, mocha and dark mixed berry pie. It begins on the palate somewhat lighter than expected before picking up steam and really gaining heft/density on the mid palate. Just oozes fresh and ripe dark fruits, fondue dipped fruits, plenty of baking spices like vanilla and nutmeg, and a sweet finish that sails on for a good while. Completely smooth and soft tannin. Not failing off a cliff for a while, but this style has me thinking earlier consumption is best.
Nice Cabernet, but it simply doesn’t compare to the Materium.
Nice Cabernet, but it simply doesn’t compare to the Materium.
1 person found it helpfulJan 21st, 2020
It’s very good but over time the QC outclassed it.
It’s very good but over time the QC outclassed it.
1 person found it helpfulMar 13th, 2019I liked the Materium better
I liked the Materium better
1 person found it helpfulNov 11th, 2018
This was a treat, certainly not the regular weekend juice. Decanted for an hour before even attempting a taste or smell. Very nice all round but you know this is young at the outset but what is amazing is that the wine develops like a ripening fruit, initial dark fruit, spice and some oak with an element of heat. As the evening wore on, smoother and bouquet developed with chocolate, blueberry and perfume. 24 hours later the last third of the bottle has smoothed out beautifully and flavours are fully integrated with a rich and complex nose and great taste. Highly recommended but maybe wait a few years more if you have the patience.
This was a treat, certainly not the regular weekend juice. Decanted for an hour before even attempting a taste or smell. Very nice all round but you know this is young at the outset but what is amazing is that the wine develops like a ripening fruit, initial dark fruit, spice and some oak with an element of heat. As the evening wore on, smoother and bouquet developed with chocolate, blueberry and perfume. 24 hours later the last third of the bottle has smoothed out beautifully and flavours are fully integrated with a rich and complex nose and great taste. Highly recommended but maybe wait a few years more if you have the patience.
1 person found it helpfulApr 15th, 2018
Really lovely wine to nurse my wounds after the Chiefs blew it.
Really lovely wine to nurse my wounds after the Chiefs blew it.
1 person found it helpfulJan 7th, 2018Very nice, but needs a bit more time.
Very nice, but needs a bit more time.
1 person found it helpfulAug 21st, 2017
Parker 98 point taste off today,
Cult takes it at P&P lets see after a couple hours decant,
The nose on this has caught our attention now, not as full bodied as the cult but still delicious. Can't go wrong either way.
Maybach has taken over as it opens, winner! I think Amoenus is the top 2104 I've had, has lingering layers as it opens up,
Parker 98 point taste off today,
Cult takes it at P&P lets see after a couple hours decant,
The nose on this has caught our attention now, not as full bodied as the cult but still delicious. Can't go wrong either way.
Maybach has taken over as it opens, winner! I think Amoenus is the top 2104 I've had, has lingering layers as it opens up,
Really delicious. Surprisingly approachable right now. Excellent fruit and structure.
Really delicious. Surprisingly approachable right now. Excellent fruit and structure.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 28th, 2017