Campana Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 | Exclusive Sleeper Hit

Campana Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 presents an inviting ruby-purple in color. Fresh aromas full of black currants and cherry compote, complemented by sweet spice, wild bay leaf, and tobacco.  While tightly structured on the palate, with firm, forward tannins surrounded by bright cherry and baking spice flavors.  Yet definitely not a fruit bomb.  Most of all this is a wine for those nostalgic for the style of California Cabernet from the 1980’s.  Drink now-2026.

Campana Ranch Wines | Alexander Valley

Up in the jagged hills of the Mayacamas mountain range, where some of California’s longest-lived and most age-worthy reds are made, Steve Bell handcrafts each barrel of this old-school, high-toned, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. A veteran vineyard manager for Beringer and Freemark Abbey, his instinct for sites is unparalleled. Campana Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 hails from a 30-year-old Cabernet vineyard outside of historic Geyserville.  While beautifully structured with sturdy tannins.  But giving up fresh notes of cherry, tobacco, and sweet spice. Best of all it’s the sleeper hit of Alexander Valley.  So if this were sold in Napa, expect it to go for three times the price! Never presented for scores, it’s an exclusive, small-production cuvée you won’t find anywhere else.

More Red Gems under $35

Unlike hotter years such as 2013 and 2015, 2014 proved a cooler vintage during the key harvest season, allowing more mineral and spice to shine through in Alexander Valley Cabernets. The growing season got off to a promising start with warm temperatures through spring into early summer. By mid-summer, some vineyard managers were slightly concerned that sugar levels were ahead of flavor development, but a refreshingly cool September delayed ripening, resulting in tremendously aromatic wines with fantastic, defined red fruit flavors. The accessibility and finely integrated tannins of the vintage are vividly present in this steal of an Alexander Valley Cabernet.

Winemaker Steve Bell

So Steve started Campana Ranch Winery in 2011.  Soon after gaining a cult following for Cabernets that are a throwback to the more traditional style of the 1980s and 90s.   Then winemakers were aiming to make wines of freshness, restraint, nuance, and harmony, tinged with rustic warmth. The Mayacamas range, where this bottle hails from, provides the perfect conditions for crafting that kind of old-school mountain Cabernet.  While days can be hot, yet nights—particularly at this elevation—can be quite chilly, providing balance.  So unlike the warmer, east-facing side of the Mayacamas in Napa, the cooler west-facing half in Alexander Valley makes for dusty tannins with a hint of herbs.  As a result, achieving Bordeaux-like elegance. Finally, 30-year-old vines spider into rich, deep volcanic soil overlaying granitic bedrock, investing the wine with mineral complexity.