2014 Futo Oakville Estate

The 2014 Futo is surprisingly soft, open and creamy for such a young wine. Then again, that is the magic that makes many of the wines from this part of Oakville so sensual and appealing. Here, too, the Cabernet Franc plays an important role in shaping the wine's aromatic profile. An exotic mélange of dark cherry, mocha, spice, espresso and tobacco infuse the racy finish. The new oak is still a bit present, which is a small indication that perhaps in 2014 the 5500 has just a bit better balance than the Futo. Still, there is plenty to like and admire in the Futo.

The 2014 Futo is the most impressive of the 2014s here. Deep, powerful and exquisitely layered throughout, the 2014 possesses captivating balance and intensity from start to finish. Mocha, plums, black cherries and new leather meld together with that classic sense of Oakville creaminess and texture that is so typical of these hillside vineyards. The 2014 is shaping up to be a real jewel of a wine. As always, the Futo includes a healthy amount of Cabernet Franc, which is just magical here.

The 2014 Red Wine is a dark, exotic beauty. Rose petal, white truffle, pomegranate, mocha and blood orange open in the bouquet. Tremendously deep and pliant, the 2014 has reached its tenth birthday in style. If anything, it could probably use another year or two in bottle to help soften the tannins. This is an impressive effort, to say the least.