A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, is the 2014 The Absurd, basically a choice of their finest barrels, or as winemaker and owner Benoit Touquette says, “The crème de la crème.” This is another perfect wine equaling their incredible 2013. Yet the 2014 is slightly more forward and showy, as many 2013s are just beginning to shut down. There are 250 cases of this majestic wine that has an opaque purple color, extraordinary nose of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry, creosote, charcoal, toast and spice. The wine has unbelievable fruit on the attack, midpalate and finish, compelling purity, texture and a finish of close to a full minute. It is (as advertised by the winery) a “showcase of the best of Napa Valley with the freedom of expression that results from no rules.” Drink now-2035.

Realm Cellars purchased the Stags Leap winery of Hartwell Estate Vineyards and is in the process of building new facilities and making that their future home. This is one of the stars of Napa Valley and has been since their debut in 2002. Their general philosophy is to find some of the finest vineyard sources in Napa, and not only fashion creative blends, but of course turn out some remarkable Cabernet Sauvignons. 2014 offers their normal lineup of wines, plus their newest estate wine from the Stags Leap AVA. But first, their less expensive offerings, which are phenomenal blends. Remarkably, the 2014s are close in quality to the 2013s! Like most of the 2014s, they are actually more charming and drinkable than the more massive, tannic and potentially longer-lived 2013s.

Score: 100 Robert Parker (RP), The Wine Advocate (WA), December 2016

Blackberries, blueberries, pretty florals and cherries. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied, layered and powerful. Delightful depth and sexiness. Juicy and entrancing. Moreish. You want to drink it. Better in 2022.

Score: 97 James Suckling (JS), JamesSuckling.com, January 2017