2014 Edge Hill Abel Mt. Veeder

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc. Abel was part of Edge Hill, the St Helena property they owned for a while. Vines over 25 years old on Sonoma volcanic soils at 1,600 ft of elevation. Aged for 22 months in French oak (75% new). Very deep purple. Opulent nose. Round, mature and with a little pepper flavour and a savoury finish. Very dry and grainy-textured after an opulent palate entry. Masses of character and dry on the end. (JR)