The 2013, 2014, and 2015 vintages of the Gravel Series Scholar’s Gate Cabernet Sauvignon showcase tremendously rich, concentrated flavors, a supple tannin structure, ripe red-fruited aromas, and bright acidity.
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93 points Wine Spectator, James Laube
“A striking effort that is rich and layered, dense and detailed, with tiers of crushed rock, graphite and extracted blackberry flavors, accented by touches of savory herb and underbrush. Shines on the finish, where the fruit is deep and persistent, long and lingering. Drink now through 2032.”
95 points, Wine Advocate, Robert Parker
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Scholar’s Gate is a glorious rendition of Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from 100% of that variety, wonderful cassis and kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with plum, Christmas fruit cake and spice are followed by an opulent, voluptuously textured, full-bodied wine that is absolutely sensational. It builds by increments, and the finish is a good 45 to 50 seconds. This is a killer wine, and to my mind, it is probably the finest wine I have tasted from this producer. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.”
95 points, Wine Advocate, Robert Parker
“The deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Scholar’s Gate, made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, offers up Indian spices, fallen leaves, dusty earth and potpourri notions with a cassis and kirsch-scented core. The full-bodied palate is rich, concentrated and opulent, with velvety tannins and a long, perfumed finish.”
A nearly perfect growing season provided a stellar harvest in 2013. Moderate weather allowed the fruit to hang longer on the vine for better flavor development and phenolic maturity, without excessive sugar accumulation.
The 2014 vintage experienced early bud break, early veraison, and early harvest. The continued warm and dry weather throughout the summer and fall led to the perfect amount of vine stress, allowing the fruit to profit from long hang-time.
Cooler conditions during fruit set resulted in lower yields than normal; indicating that the vines were in good balance with no need to drop fruit to achieve ripening. Throughout the rest of the season, growing conditions were near perfect. The very small crop produced more concentrated flavors and achieved ripeness earlier than any previous vintage.