The 2014 Lancaster Estate Cab has been awarded one of the highest honors in the world of wine, a spot on the Wine Spectator 2017 Top 100 list. The ‘14 Cab, rated 94 points by the Wine Spectator, comes in at No. 86 on this year’s list, and is described by Wine Spectator’s James Laube as, “A big, rich Cabernet, with firm, structured tannins that are powerful and edgy, framing the core of blackberry, black cherry, plum and espresso flavors. An impressive effort. Best from 2019 through 2029. 4,075 cases made.”
When asked about the 2014 Vintage, Winemaker David Drake said, “I think it is just the perfect representation of what this property is capable of, in a good vintage, and apparently the ‘14 was a good vintage. The growing conditions were just ideal. It’s not what I did, it is what the property did, I just didn’t mess it up. We did all the same stuff we do every year, we didn’t do anything different. We did it the way we do everything.”
David is humble, but no one knows what the terroir is capable of better than him, he has been with Lancaster for nearly 20 years. David may not sing his own praises, but fellow Foley Family Winemaker Steve Nelson, at Chalk Hill Estate, has no problem parading his accolades. When Steve first heard the news that the ‘14 Lancaster Cab had made the Top 100 List, he said “I think David Drake is an incredible Winemaker, and he is definitely the most interesting man in the room. I think the 2014 is phenomenal! It walks that tightrope between power and elegance, which is the mark of a great cabernet! It’s really challenging to make a cabernet that has all that density, packed with tannin, color and flavor, and still have it come off smooth and seamless on the palate!”
Foley Family Wines Master Sommelier says, “The 2014 Lancaster Estate is a reflection of the Estate. Beautiful, reserved, slightly tucked in, hidden and shy in the beginning; but somehow stands out when you give it some air. It is strikingly beautiful and strong, but profoundly elegant, and shows her true nature with expressive manner. David Drake understands and translates this natural approach to what Lancaster delivers from the land to the wine. This is a wine that everyone wants to get their hands on. It shows depth and concentration.”
This is the second time a Foley Family wine has been awarded a place on the Top 100 list, preceded only by the 2005 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon, which made an appearance in 2008 at No. 95.
Lancaster Estate Wines have a rich history, and are representative of the best qualities Alexander Valley has to offer. The 2014 is well deserved of its place on the Wine Spectator Top 100 List. It is a great honor, and we are beyond proud to share our 2014 Estate Cabernet with the world of wine.
