2014 Ulysses, Christian Moueix, Napa Valley, USA
OVERVIEW
From the epic 2014 vintage, arguably the best of the decade, comes the iconic 2014 Ulysses from Christian Moueix. This Napa cult wine is a majority Cab blend from the vineyards that were once part of the famed Charles Hopper ranch.
A full bodied, creamy, supple, black fruit and cedar bomb that's unashamedly big, bold and beautiful. Indulgent!
CRITIC REVIEWS
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. 98 Points. James Suckling
Another lovely wine from Ulysses, a property which is rapidly establishing itself as one of Napa's top addresses. The 2014 reveals a complex bouquet of briary fruit tones, wild plum and rich soil. On the palate the tannins are beautifully fine-grained, powdery and ample - a powerful but elegant frame for the wine's vivid fruit. Drinking Window 2022 - 2040. 95 Points. Decanter
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was aged for 17 months in 45% new French oak, is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is dense purple, with sweet cedar wood, unsmoked cigar tobacco, crème de cassis, and black raspberries in a classic, almost St.-Julien/Pauillac style. This emerged from a valley floor vineyard on the west side of Napa, where Christian Moueix told me that 2014 was characterized by generally slightly higher than average temperatures for the summer with only minor heat spikes in June and July. August and September went off without a hitch, and the harvest took place during the month of September. This full-bodied wine will hit its peak in 3-5 years and last for 25-30. 94 Points. Robert Parker
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
This 92% Cabernet Sauvignon will pair beautifully with steak, burgers and even roast lamb.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
2014 was one of the best vintages in a decade but also a year to remember for Napa winemakers as a powerful earthquake hit the area. It was a dream vintage where all varietals were ready to pick including the Cabernet Sauvignon which was picked in mid-August.
92% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest a blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is aged for 17 months in 45% new oak.
PRODUCER NOTES
Ulysses vineyard was acquired in 2008 by Christian Moueix. Situated along Napa Valley’s Oakville bench and extending over an alluvial fan at the foot of the Mayacamas Range, the site was once part of the famed Charles Hopper ranch and it is exceptional for winegrowing.
The soil is composed of deep, gravelly, clay loam and is particularly well-suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon.
Since the acquisition, Christian Moueix and his team have pursued an in-depth understanding of the soil and microclimate and have undertaken a lengthy and meticulous vineyard restoration.
Dry farming, the foundation of Ulysses’ sustainable farming practices, enhances root depth and resistance to drought, resulting in a wine that is a pure expression of terroir.
The winemaking team’s intention is to produce a wine reflecting the exceptional potential and individuality of the Ulysses vineyard. The approach is minimalist, with attentive observation and restrained intervention. Harvested at perfect ripeness with the utmost care, the grapes undergo both cluster and berry selection before a gentle vinification and aging.
Ulysses is a distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It should be decanted prior to serving.
In 2021, Ulysses received its CCOF ("California Certified Organic Farmers") certification for organic farming practices.
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SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
This wine should be stored around 12°C and served between 16-18°C. We recommend a minimum of 3 hours decanting before approaching this wine.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.
We use a tracked DPD delivery service who provide text and email tracking updates.
Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.
2014 Ulysses, Christian Moueix, Napa Valley, USA
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | Christian Moueix |
| Wine Region | California, USA |
| Wine Classification | Napa Valley AVA |
| Wine Type | Red |
| Grape Variety | 92% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Vintage Quality | Excellent - Parker |
| Maturity | Will Improve with age |
| Body | Full Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 14.5% |
| Bottle Type | Bordeaux 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 16-18°C |
| Food Pairing | Steak, Burger, Roast Lamb |
| Awards | 98 Points - James Suckling |
| 96 Points - Decanter | |
| 94 Points - Robert Parker |
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