Wines Not Specified Oakville East - Exposure - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Oakville East’s Cuvée Exposure 2014 is an enticing red blend hailing from one of Napa Valley’s most coveted subregions. While the exact blend of grapes is proprietary, it’s common for Oakville reds to showcase a Bordeaux-style composition, often featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and possibly touches of Petit Verdot or Malbec. The 2014 vintage benefited from a temperate, classic growing season, allowing for optimal grape maturation and expressing the bold yet refined style for which Oakville is renowned. Vinification is traditionally meticulous in this area, emphasizing hand-harvesting, careful extraction, and extended aging in high-quality French oak, producing a wine with structure, depth, and potential for aging.

The Oakville AVA in Napa Valley is famed for its unique combination of gravelly, well-draining soils and a climate characterized by warm days and cool evenings, courtesy of the nearby Mayacamas and Vaca mountains as well as marine influences funneling up the valley. This terroir is ideal for ripening Bordeaux varietals to perfection, giving wines a signature balance of power and elegance with complex layers of dark fruit, graphite, cedar, and polished tannins. Oakville has been a cornerstone of Napa’s winemaking history since the 19th century, with its reputation cemented among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Pairing this Cuvée Exposure with food, you’ll want to accentuate its generous structure and ripe fruit character. Classic matches include grilled ribeye steak, roast lamb, or beef short ribs with a rosemary reduction. For a taste of California, consider pairing with tri-tip steak, wild mushroom risotto, or barbecued pork with a cherry glaze. Rich cheeses such as aged cheddar or blue cheese will also beautifully complement the wine’s depth.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will help to fully reveal its aromatic complexity and integrated tannins. This wine is enjoyable now but could easily age another 5 to 7 years, rewarding patience with further nuance and evolution.