2014 Ackerman Le Chatelaine
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Tasting notes
Slightly more expensive, the 2014 Le Chatelaine (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) sports an inky color as well as a broad, expansive character on the palate. Black raspberries, blueberries, incense and lots of spice give way to a concentrated, opulent beauty that has sweet tannin and a great finish. Like the straight Cabernet Sauvignon, it spent a year in barrel and is going to keep for two decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Proprietary Red Le Chatelaine is 24% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 21% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. Slightly more expressive than its sibling, the wine is a Bordeaux-like stylish wine with a certain austerity, earthiness and spice, red and black fruits and tobacco leaf, but with a distinctive, earthy, terroir character running through it. The wine is medium-bodied, has light tannin and a solid finish with moderate tannin. This is somewhat compact and should become more savory with another several years of bottle age. It should drink nicely for 15 or more years.
The 2014 Red Blend Le Chatelaine is supple, rich and inviting, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and new leather shape the voluptuous, racy finish. La Chatelaine is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot-based blend with dollops of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.