I absolutely loved the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenze, and it pairs awesome depth and richness with crazy levels of purity. Crème de cassis, toasty oak, graphite and white flower characteristics flow to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, silky red that doesn't put a foot wrong. It shows the approachable style of the 2014 vintage, yet has 2-3 decades of longevity ahead of it.

isplaying a deep garnet-purple color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz has a serious, savory nose, featuring smoked meat, chargrill, Indian spices and black pepper notes over a core of preserved plums and mulberries, plus suggestions of tree bark and dusty soil. Full-bodied and very firmly structured, the earthy/savory, muscular fruit is supported by firm, chewy tannins, and it has a long pepper and spice-laced finish.

Though big, rich and extracted, with chunky dark berry and cigar box touches, this wine is refined for its size, showing some heat on the finish amid chewy tannins. Best from 2020 through 2032. 798 cases made.