2014 Aiken Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
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Tasting notes
Cut from the same cloth as the 2015, only slightly more sexy and open-knit, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford is loaded with blueberry and cassis-like fruits as well as lots of white chocolate, flowers, and spicy nuances. With full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and an incredible seamlessness on the palate, drink this sexpot of a wine over the coming 15 years. These wines are made by Joel Aiken who began his career in 1980 at Inglenook. He then worked for Beaulieu Vineyard from 1982 to 2009, when he created his own Aiken label. As I hope the reviews show, these are beautiful wines.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford opens with a smoky, earthy, toasty nose over a core of cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, baked blackberries and a waft of walnut oil. Medium to full-bodied with a fine-grained frame and wonderful freshness, it has plenty of earth and herbal flavors accenting the black fruits, finishing long and spicy.
Aiken's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford) is an attractive, juicy wine to drink now and over the next few years. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, sweet spice, new French oak and hard candy are some of the notes that give the 2014 its opulent, flamboyant personality. This is a decidedly ripe style, with some roasted elements in the fruit, and yet the elements are pretty well balanced.