Wines Santa Ynez Valley Bentley Ridge Vineyard - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Bentley Ridge Vineyard’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Santa Ynez Valley AVA in California, is a fine expression of New World winemaking. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage comes from a terroir where the cooler Pacific breezes moderate the valley’s sun-filled days. The soils are primarily a mix of sand, loam, and clay—allowing for excellent drainage and concentration in the grapes. The wine is likely aged in French or American oak barrels, giving it a structure that supports ripe black fruit aromas, notes of cassis, blackberry, and subtle touches of cedar, spice, and vanilla. The 2014 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season, resulting in ripe tannins and balanced acidity, making this Cabernet both approachable now and promising for further aging.

Santa Ynez Valley lies within Santa Barbara County and is celebrated for its cool-climate grapes despite being located in California’s sun-drenched interior. The valley’s east-west orientation allows fog and ocean breezes to penetrate inland, which helps maintain freshness and vibrant aromatics in the wines. Historically, this region has been home to vineyards since the late 19th century and rose to prominence in the 1970s. While it’s renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay near the coast, the warmer eastern stretches are ideally suited to Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, giving robust reds that retain a distinct balance and elegance.

For food pairings, the Bentley Ridge 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon’s powerful structure and generous fruit make it a superb match for dishes like grilled ribeye steak, roast lamb with rosemary, or slow-braised short ribs. For a regional Californian pairing, consider Santa Maria-style barbecue with smoked tri-tip and salsa, which harmonizes beautifully with the wine’s richness. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda also offer a delightful contrast.

To fully appreciate its bouquet and texture, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will further enhance its complexity and allow its layers of fruit and oak to shine. This Cabernet will reward patience, so it can also be cellared for a few more years if desired.