THE GRADE Cellars
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Fourteener"
Calistoga AVA
Auction 20 | Lot No. 134
Vintage: 2014
THE GRADE Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Bottled poetry: Fourteener is the style of a classic sonnet we wrote to commemorate this ’14 vintage
- Come to our barrel for a recitation of our sonnet Fourteener about Block 5 in Winfield Vineyard
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Calistoga, 100% estate vineyard, 100% Block 5, 100% passion
- This Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon is so rich that we give it only a very restrained touch of new oak
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Thomas Rivers Brown
Winemaker, THE GRADE Cellars
Napa Valley is home to many exceptional winemakers. Then there's Thomas Rivers Brown.
Thomas joined THE GRADE Cellars at the end of the 2011 harvest and has brought an exciting new palate and keen vineyard perception to our wine program. He may be known locally as a gentleman with abundant southern charm and a wonderful family, but he is acclaimed internationally for his extraordinary wines.
Thomas is one of the most exciting talents in winemaking today. Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Thomas developed an interest in wine while attending the University of Virginia. He worked the 1997 harvest for Kent Rasmussen before becoming an assistant winemaker for Ehren Jordan, winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars and consultant to a number of other high profile California wineries.
In addition to THE GRADE Cellars wines which he makes for us at Sundance Ranch in Calistoga, TRB is also dedicated to his own project, Rivers-Marie wine, known for its Pinot Noirs and also made at Sundance. When asked what differentiates the many brands he makes, he responds, "I can't really define it, but I know it when I taste it." He takes pride in there not being a recognizable trait in his wines - spoken like a true artist.
In October 2008, Thomas made history as the youngest winemaker to score not just one, but two perfect "100 point" ratings from Robert M. Parker, The Wine Advocate. After his first full vintage at THE GRADE Cellars, Thomas debuted with a "99 point" score from Robert Parker for our 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which we named "Kingly Project", and a "97 point" Parker score for our 2012 Estate Cabernet.
Thomas' athleticism sustains him through the stress of harvest. And his Aston Martin Rapide allows him to materialize, never late, at vineyard meetings.
Country born: United States
Education: University of Virginia, BA
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Honors / Awards:
Food & Wine's Winemaker of the Year 2010
Winemaking Philosophy:
Starting with the belief that the best wine is made in the vineyard, Thomas pursues a non-interventionist style that eschews technology.
Nos Caves Vin
2501 Wroxton
Houston TX 77005
713-722-0181
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Nos Caves Vin:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandon | 2007 | Sparkling Wine | Yountville | Yountville Vintage Brut - Library Selection | 28 (2024) |
| Jean Edwards Cellars | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Four of a Kind | 28 (2024) |
| Hyde Estate | 2021 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Larry Hyde | 26 (2022) |
| Matthiasson | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Phoenix Vineyard | 25 (2021) |
| Etude | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Clone 4 Meteor Vineyard | 24 (2020) |
| Gandona Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 24 (2020) | |
| Spoto Family Wines | 2018 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | Oakville Station | 24 (2020) |
| Volker Eisele Family Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Chiles Valley District | 24 (2020) | |
| Boich Family Cellar | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Proprietor's Barrel | 23 (2019) |
| Ehlers Estate | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | St. Helena | 23 (2019) | |
| Canard Vineyard | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 22 (2018) | |
| von Strasser & Lava Vine Winery | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | So Sori, Sori Bricco Vineyard | 22 (2018) |
| Cairdean Estate | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Acquaintance Vineyard | 20 (2016) |
| Chase Cellars | 2015 | Zinfandel | St. Helena | Hayne Vineyard | 20 (2016) |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Cinnamon Devil | 20 (2016) |
| Larkmead Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | A5W | 20 (2016) |
| Pride Mountain Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Summit Select | 20 (2016) |
| Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Fourteener | 20 (2016) |
| Paoletti Estates Winery | 2012 | Malbec | Calistoga | 18 (2014) | |
| Oakville East Exposure | 2011 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | Majek | 17 (2013) |
| Clos Pegase | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Antipodes | 16 (2012) |
| Derenoncourt California | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | A Tale of Two Terroirs | 16 (2012) |
| Meteor Vineyard | 2009 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Celestia (90% Cabernet /10% Petite Verdot) | 15 (2011) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | The Pearl | 15 (2011) |
| Tayson Pierce Estate Wines | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Cuvée Rothchild | 15 (2011) |
| Meander | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Twist | 14 (2010) |
Winery Distribution
THE GRADE Cellars is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.