Star Lane - Happy Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Price: $57.99

Producer	Star Lane
Country	United States
Region	Santa Barbara
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage	2014
Sku	P-27152

About the Winery: Bankers by profession, Jim and Mary are no newcomers to wine. Since 1974, they’ve owned the Hermannhof Winery in Hermann, Missouri, which was one of the United States’ most significant wine-growing regions prior to Prohibition. Located about an hour’s drive west of St. Louis, Hermannhof is one of America’s oldest wineries. The Dierbergs have dedicated the past 40 years to renovating the property and raising its reputation as a place for education and entertainment. While the town’s history and charm brought the Dierbergs to Hermann, the region’s Midwestern climate cannot support the traditional European varietals that Jim and Mary have become fans of over the years.

In the 1980s, the Dierbergs began looking outside of Missouri for a place to plant that passion. After realizing that properties in Bordeaux and Napa Valley weren’t suitable for their desires, they chanced upon Star Lane in 1996. It was love at first sight. Today, the entire operation is one big family affair, with the Dierbergs’ grown children and their spouses intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the vineyard and winery. “When we drive on the ranch, it’s almost a religious experience,” said Mary. “We absolutely love Star Lane, and being stewards of this place is truly a privilege for our family.”

About the Wine: The ripening period in 2014 afforded consistent, moderate weather. This seems to have promoted wines, highlighting purity of dark fruit, freshness in both herb flavor and tense texture and length. With slightly lower potential alcohols, the team at Star Lane extended time on skins to build a bit more structure on the finish. A more elegant version of Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, the way this wine has been built should allow it to last for a very long time. The volume of flavor from the aromatics is paired with a tense but elegant palate that is driven by freshness and structure more than weight and richness. The finish is long and hints at a long life for this wine. Ageability for 15-20 years. Aged 22 months, 35% New French Oak.

Stephen Tanzer: 95 Points

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Star Lane Vineyard is bold, pungent and bursting with fruit. Deep and unctuous in texture, but with considerable aromatic lift, the 2014 offers a terrific expression of Happy Canyon. Black cherry, blackberry, grilled herbs, menthol, sage and licorice infuse the rich, inviting finish.” –95+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

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