Barboursville Vineyards, Octagon, Virginia 2014

“The 2014 Octagon is 56% Merlot, with 23% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 12 months in French oak (40% new, the rest second use wood). When first seen, this was a little young and unusually accessible for Octagon (compare the 2015 this issue, which is pretty tight). Luca says he likes the 2014 better than the 2015, even though this is less concentrated, basically because the 2014 is fresher. This indeed lacks the lushness and flavor of the 2015, but its fresh feel is enticing, as is its mid-palate finesse. The juicy finish is filled with flavor. In the long run, I’d take the 2015 for its better concentration, but they both are fine in their own ways and this is far better today.”-90WA, 2018-2032