Napa Nobility

For James Suckling, his tasting of 250 reds from the 2014 Napa Valley vintage in January confirmed that the region is entrenched in a new era of classicism, whereby wines expand on the linear definition of reds of the past while drawing on the precision and fruitiness of today. Napa Valley jam, most evident in the high-octane, overly fruity sweet wines of the 2000s, is a thing of the past, he declares. The 2014 reds show character driven by their respective terroirs and microclimates. Here are 10 you don’t want to miss

COLGIN CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON TYCHSON HILL VINEYARD

Fantastic aromas of sweet tobacco, rose petal, mushroom and dark fruit such as raspberry and currant. Citrus blossom, too. Full body, firm and velvety tannins, yet remains tight and polished. Very reserved and beautiful. Subtle texture. Savoury. You are going to want to drink this now! However, it’s built for ageing. The purity of cabernet sauvignon (95%) is spellbinding.

100 points PETER MICHAEL WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON OAKVILLE AU PARADIS

Extremely perfumed with iron, clay and currant character, copper pennies and hints of steak. Then this turns to flowers, iodine and oyster shell. Full body that’s juicy and defined by hefty blackcurrant flavours and real meatiness. Dark chocolate and orange peel undertones. Extremely long and flavourful. About three-fourths cabernet sauvignon, the rest cabernet franc. Excellent follow-up to the 2013.

99 points