Morlet Family Vineyards Cœur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Winery Background and History

Morlet Family Vineyards, established by Luc and Jodie Morlet in St. Helena, Napa Valley, is renowned for producing handcrafted wines that blend Old World traditions with New World innovation. Luc Morlet, a fifth-generation winemaker from France, brings his family’s legacy to California, focusing on vineyard-designated wines that express the unique terroirs of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The estate emphasizes meticulous vineyard management and classical winemaking techniques to create wines of elegance and complexity.

Producer and Winemaker

Luc Morlet, the proprietor and winemaker, hails from a lineage of French vintners and has honed his craft through experiences in both France and California. His approach marries traditional Bordeaux methods with California’s diverse terroirs, resulting in wines that are both expressive and refined. Luc’s dedication to quality and terroir-driven winemaking is evident in each bottle produced at Morlet Family Vineyards.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2014 Cœur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, situated in the Oakville appellation of Napa Valley. This vineyard is renowned for its well-draining, gravelly loam soils and optimal sun exposure, contributing to the development of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes with exceptional concentration and complexity. The vineyard’s microclimate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, allows for extended ripening periods, enhancing the grapes’ aromatic profiles and structural balance.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes for the Cœur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness, then meticulously sorted cluster by cluster and berry by berry. Fermentation occurs using native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and French oak puncheons, with manual punch-downs to extract color and flavor. The wine is aged for 16 months in French oak barrels from select artisan coopers and is bottled unfined and unfiltered to maintain its integrity and expression of terroir.

Tasting Notes

The 2014 Cœur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep purple hue and offers an intense and complex bouquet of red, black, and blue berries intermixed with notes of cassis, Quesch plum, blond tobacco, and a hint of black pepper. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a creamy texture, richness, and a powerful mid-palate. The silky tannins and complex aromas create a harmonious ensemble, leading to a very long and smooth finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including grilled or roasted red meats, game, and mature cheeses. Its robust structure and complex flavor profile complement the richness of these dishes, while its tannic backbone provides balance. Additionally, the wine’s depth and elegance make it a suitable companion for hearty stews and savory mushroom-based dishes.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve the 2014 Cœur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon slightly below room temperature, at 61–64°F (16–18°C). Decanting for one hour prior to serving can enhance its aromatic complexity and allow the wine to open up gracefully.

Storage and Aging Potential

While approachable now, the 2014 Cœur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully for 30+ years. Proper cellaring conditions—cool temperatures, consistent humidity, and minimal light exposure—will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and depth over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 76% Cabernet Sauvignon

• 24% Cabernet Franc

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

• 15%

Scores

• Jeb Dunnuck: 97/100

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 94/100

• James Suckling: 95/100

• Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): 94/100

• CellarTracker: 95/100