Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 months in 80% new French oak, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lawrence Estate Grand Klasse has a pretty, lively perfume of ripe black cherries and black raspberries, cedarwood, and leafy herbs.
- 90 points, Jeb Dunnuck
A perfectly ripe, hedonistic mixture of black currants, raspberry puree, plum skin and spice. Swirling adds sweetness to the fruit, but also a mouthwatering freshness at the same time. The palate has gorgeous volume, ripe fruit, sweet tannins and an elegant lift to the finish. This is as elegant as a New World Cabernet is going to get.
Winemaker’s notes
A mouthwatering combination of currants, plums, sandalwood and smoke. Hints of herbs and black tea muddled with black raspberry, black cherry and a wisp of saffron. Decadently textured with sweet black fruits, spice and a savory finish that goes on for minutes.
- Aryn Morell, Winemaker
Specifications
Vintage: 2014
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Lawrence Vineyards, Columbia Valley
Harvested: October, 2014
Barrel Regime: Aged in 100% new French oak for 24 months
Winery: Gård Vintners
Owners: The Lawrence Family
Founded: 2006
Location: Royal City, WA
Gård, meaning “farm” in many of the Scandinavian languages, is a tribute to our family’s Scandinavian heritage and farming tradition.
Our mission at Gård is to capture and bottle the unique characteristics of the land we farm. We humbly craft value-driven, award-winning wines from our sustainable estate vineyards to create lasting memories for our customers. Gård Vintners is dedicated to crafting world-class wines from its sustainably farmed estate vineyard on the Royal Slope of Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA. We produce 6,000 cases a year for our wine club, three tasting rooms and select distribution in the northwest and across the country.
Founded in 2006, Gård Vintners is a family-owned and operated estate winery in the heart of Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA, with vineyards on the Royal Slope, wine production in Walla Walla, and tasting rooms in Woodinville, Walla Walla, and Ellensburg.
The winery was founded by Josh and Lisa Lawrence, along with Josh’s dad John Lawrence and uncle Sandy Lawrence, who had farmed the Royal Slope for more than 40 years. The winery and estate vineyard is now owned and operated by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations.
In 2011 Aryn Morell joined the team as winemaker, and winemaking is now managed at M&L Production in Walla Walla, a partnership between Morell and the Lawrences.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, ID, IL, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA
The original link that was provided leads to the Lawrence Vineyards offering. Both labels seem to contain the Grand Klasse piece, but the original link is correct. I do wish that we could see the back label in this case, since I’m sure that would help to clear it up.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2014 Gård Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - $60 = 16.65%
Today I received an email at about 12:30pm notifying me I finally had the great honor of being a Lab Rat for the very first time! I was so thrilled I could barely contain my excitement!!! However, I was already at work and after I looked up the shipping status with the tracking number provided, I discovered the delivery had been attempted at about 10am (two and a half hours before I received the email.)
By the time I was done with work it was too late to pick up the bottle, so now I’ll have to pick it up tomorrow morning at the FedEx facility before I go to work (yes… on a Saturday.) So hopefully I will be able to report back in late tomorrow night after I’ve had the opportunity to taste the wine, develop notes, and share them with you all while there’s still time to take the feedback into consideration.
@drhellknow@rjquillin@boatman72
Interestingly (or not!), when Gård first appeared on wine.woot, they shipped to OH. Then they didn’t. Then they did again. Now they don’t again.
@Boatman72@chipgreen@rjquillin True. We’ve procured two different Gård offerings, and have rather enjoyed both. My SO even claims the Syrah Grand Klasse is her favorite thing in our collection, so this CS would have met with her approval as well.
I was chosen to be a rat for this wine but haven’t gotten it delivered yet. Once I figure out the delivery exception situation with FedEx, I will taste and report back.
@sarahaha It is my understanding they won’t attempt to deliver it again until Monday. So for the sake of providing tasting notes while the offer is still live, you’ll have to pick it up at the FedEx facility where the bottle is currently being held.
Ok, after a couple calls to FedEx, I have been able to pick up the wine! I’ve poured myself a glass and I’m getting berry and plum aromas with a little spice on the end, maybe like a blackberry cobbler type of smell. Now before I get to the tasting part, let me say that while I like wine, I’m no expert on describing the nuances of flavor so I hope you’ll bear with me! This is a complex wine. On the first sip I was like “Whoa!” it’s a big wine and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. But then it draws you back in for another taste and then another. First I notice the tannins on my tounge but not in a bad way, just a little puckery. Behind that, I’m getting the berry and plum flavors with a kind of herbal quality like thai basil or tarragon. When I swallow, I get a little alcohol note and then the tannins again, then it fades to a really refreshing, cool taste. Like imagine you had made a glass of iced tea with some raspberries and a few sprigs of some sort of herb (unsweetened, as iced tea should be), and imagine the lingering taste in your mouth after a sip. That’s what the aftertaste of this wine is like. I’ve never had anything like it! Ok, up to this point, I hadn’t read the description because I didn’t want to go in with preconceived notions and now I’m super proud of my tastebuds! I am going to buy a couple bottles or possibly a case if I can justify the splurge.
@sarahaha Whoa, that is impressive, do you mind if we use that in marketing?!?! Sounds about right, glad you like it, it will only develop with age. Optimal drinking window: 2020-2035 as recommended by the winemaker.
I’m currently at work so my initial notes will be very brief, but I have plans later to share this with a friend in order to provide additional and more in-depth feedback.
I feel it’s pertinent to mention this is my first Lab Rat experience and I’m by no means an expert at pinpointing specific flavors or aromas in wine. That being said, I will still give this my best shot and I’m more than willing to answer anyone’s questions should any arise.
On PnP the nose consists of dark fruit; blackberry and cassis I’d say. There was also some heat from the alcohol, but on the palate the wine was balanced and the alcohol was well hidden/integrated. I would describe the wine as tart, but not overly tannic. The finish is crisp/clean, and keeps you coming back for another sip. The legs were thick and slow forming by the way, but I wouldn’t say that correlates to a viscous or heavy mouthfeel whatsoever.
My initial impression is I really like this and I’m looking forward to further enjoying and analyzing this wine later tonight. Perhaps with some accompaniments to see how well it pairs with food.
Here are some photos I took…
These photos are properly orientated on my phone. I’m not sure why the image hosting site is rotating them.
We are on the last of the bottle and the wine has remained consistent. It is initially fruit forward with dark berry notes, but that is followed up with the backbone of the smooth and well integrated tannins. So it remains light/tart and not overly extracted by any means. There’s also a nice spice component to it on the finish. At 15.2% abv the wine is very balanced and doesn’t come across as “hot” whatsoever. Right now the wine is very enjoyable and approachable for a relatively young cab. I suspect it will get even better (i.e. more complex) with age as the components have time to develop/mature. My friend and I both agree the case price offers great QPR and this is a wine many will enjoy. Many thanks go out to the entire team at Casemates for all the work you do and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be a Lab Rat. I certainly look forward to the next round, if I’m so fortunate.
Question: Ok, We were able to buy the Gard Malbec from the Lawrence Vineyard. 34 states were able to buy that offering. This Cabernet Sauvignon also from Lawrence Vineyard offered by Gard, but is only available in 21 states. Same state, same vineyard, same vintner.
So why could we buy the Malbec grown in Washington State, Lawrence Vineyards, but not this CS offer? Does each varietal need a separate State license?
Seems like it’s easier to buy internationally than it is to buy American Made!! U.S. Politicians seem to screw everything up at the state and national level!!
What’s up SE Michiganders?!! This would be a great one to get, so we’ll have to split! I will be out of town the week it ships! So pick up one whole pack or two and when I return I will pick up any extras from you (all)…
Any interest Central NY’ers in splitting a case? Especially since it looks like we’re one of the privileged few states who get to partake in this fine offering @Fritzcat@NatasG@ecanada@domels
@sammypedram@winedavid49
Thanks for the note, sammypedram. As I didn’t hear from anyone until your reply, I opened my bottles and same. I will send a note to support as well.
@winedavid49
Just discovered the vast majority of the bottles in my case are corked, bad. I have sent a ticket to customer service but wanted others to be aware/to check their bottles.
@sammypedram I just opened the two bottles I ordered, and they are both corked as well. It is too bad because Gard’s vacluse is one of my favorite wines.
Late to the party but I wish I’d splurged for a case. I’m an unsophisticated wine lover who’s greatly appreciated the recommendations from casemates (and wine woot) experts, helping me enjoy some wonderful wines. Day 2 of my first bottle. Delicious.
Tasting Notes
- 90 points, Jeb Dunnuck
A perfectly ripe, hedonistic mixture of black currants, raspberry puree, plum skin and spice. Swirling adds sweetness to the fruit, but also a mouthwatering freshness at the same time. The palate has gorgeous volume, ripe fruit, sweet tannins and an elegant lift to the finish. This is as elegant as a New World Cabernet is going to get.
Winemaker’s notes
- Aryn Morell, Winemaker
Specifications
Price Comparison
$686.44/case (including shipping) at Gård Vintners
About The Winery
Winery: Gård Vintners
Owners: The Lawrence Family
Founded: 2006
Location: Royal City, WA
Gård, meaning “farm” in many of the Scandinavian languages, is a tribute to our family’s Scandinavian heritage and farming tradition.
Our mission at Gård is to capture and bottle the unique characteristics of the land we farm. We humbly craft value-driven, award-winning wines from our sustainable estate vineyards to create lasting memories for our customers. Gård Vintners is dedicated to crafting world-class wines from its sustainably farmed estate vineyard on the Royal Slope of Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA. We produce 6,000 cases a year for our wine club, three tasting rooms and select distribution in the northwest and across the country.
Founded in 2006, Gård Vintners is a family-owned and operated estate winery in the heart of Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA, with vineyards on the Royal Slope, wine production in Walla Walla, and tasting rooms in Woodinville, Walla Walla, and Ellensburg.
The winery was founded by Josh and Lisa Lawrence, along with Josh’s dad John Lawrence and uncle Sandy Lawrence, who had farmed the Royal Slope for more than 40 years. The winery and estate vineyard is now owned and operated by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations.
In 2011 Aryn Morell joined the team as winemaker, and winemaking is now managed at M&L Production in Walla Walla, a partnership between Morell and the Lawrences.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, ID, IL, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA
Estimated Delivery
Friday, May 31st - Tuesday, June 4th
Gård Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2 bottles for $59.99 $30/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $299.99 $25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2014 Gård Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
@ilCesare I think this is the correct Cellar Tracker page (or they have pictured the wrong bottle here).
@ilCesare @Mark_L
The original link that was provided leads to the Lawrence Vineyards offering. Both labels seem to contain the Grand Klasse piece, but the original link is correct. I do wish that we could see the back label in this case, since I’m sure that would help to clear it up.
@ilCesare @Mark_L @Shrdlu I can take a picture of the back of the bottle I have if you want. Edit - here if this works: https://ibb.co/LZd06yx
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2014 Gård Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - $60 = 16.65%
Today I received an email at about 12:30pm notifying me I finally had the great honor of being a Lab Rat for the very first time! I was so thrilled I could barely contain my excitement!!!
However, I was already at work and after I looked up the shipping status with the tracking number provided, I discovered the delivery had been attempted at about 10am (two and a half hours before I received the email.)
By the time I was done with work it was too late to pick up the bottle, so now I’ll have to pick it up tomorrow morning at the FedEx facility before I go to work (yes… on a Saturday.) So hopefully I will be able to report back in late tomorrow night after I’ve had the opportunity to taste the wine, develop notes, and share them with you all while there’s still time to take the feedback into consideration.
Ah, no Ohio else I’d be in for a case already!
@drhellknow
Only 21 states; barely legal in most states.
@rjquillin a fair point that doesn’t make me any less sad.
@drhellknow @rjquillin @boatman72
Interestingly (or not!), when Gård first appeared on wine.woot, they shipped to OH. Then they didn’t. Then they did again. Now they don’t again.
/image flip-flop-wine
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @rjquillin True. We’ve procured two different Gård offerings, and have rather enjoyed both. My SO even claims the Syrah Grand Klasse is her favorite thing in our collection, so this CS would have met with her approval as well.
@chipgreen If you’re too classy for Barefoot, try flipflop?
@InFrom
Or if you’re not classy enough for Barefoot, try Arbor Mist!
I was in for 2, but decided to wait to hear from the rats first.
Excited to hear from the rats! I have enjoyed their Syrah and Malbec from previous offerings here.
I was chosen to be a rat for this wine but haven’t gotten it delivered yet. Once I figure out the delivery exception situation with FedEx, I will taste and report back.
@sarahaha It is my understanding they won’t attempt to deliver it again until Monday. So for the sake of providing tasting notes while the offer is still live, you’ll have to pick it up at the FedEx facility where the bottle is currently being held.
@kawichris650 I know. I’ve called FedEx and it’s at a facility but they said I can’t pick it up yet but should be able to later today
@kawichris650 @sarahaha However it turns out, thanks to both of you for making the effort and dealing with the annoyance!
Ok, after a couple calls to FedEx, I have been able to pick up the wine! I’ve poured myself a glass and I’m getting berry and plum aromas with a little spice on the end, maybe like a blackberry cobbler type of smell. Now before I get to the tasting part, let me say that while I like wine, I’m no expert on describing the nuances of flavor so I hope you’ll bear with me! This is a complex wine. On the first sip I was like “Whoa!” it’s a big wine and I wasn’t sure if I liked it. But then it draws you back in for another taste and then another. First I notice the tannins on my tounge but not in a bad way, just a little puckery. Behind that, I’m getting the berry and plum flavors with a kind of herbal quality like thai basil or tarragon. When I swallow, I get a little alcohol note and then the tannins again, then it fades to a really refreshing, cool taste. Like imagine you had made a glass of iced tea with some raspberries and a few sprigs of some sort of herb (unsweetened, as iced tea should be), and imagine the lingering taste in your mouth after a sip. That’s what the aftertaste of this wine is like. I’ve never had anything like it! Ok, up to this point, I hadn’t read the description because I didn’t want to go in with preconceived notions and now I’m super proud of my tastebuds! I am going to buy a couple bottles or possibly a case if I can justify the splurge.
@sarahaha Whoa, that is impressive, do you mind if we use that in marketing?!?! Sounds about right, glad you like it, it will only develop with age. Optimal drinking window: 2020-2035 as recommended by the winemaker.
@gardvintners Aww, thanks! Sure, you can use it!
@sarahaha Wow, nice Rat!
Life without haiku
Stemware without dry red wine
Both are tragedies.
@opiate2002
Life without red wine
I’ll never know what it’s like
Because of Casemates!
I’m currently at work so my initial notes will be very brief, but I have plans later to share this with a friend in order to provide additional and more in-depth feedback.
I feel it’s pertinent to mention this is my first Lab Rat experience and I’m by no means an expert at pinpointing specific flavors or aromas in wine. That being said, I will still give this my best shot and I’m more than willing to answer anyone’s questions should any arise.
On PnP the nose consists of dark fruit; blackberry and cassis I’d say. There was also some heat from the alcohol, but on the palate the wine was balanced and the alcohol was well hidden/integrated. I would describe the wine as tart, but not overly tannic. The finish is crisp/clean, and keeps you coming back for another sip. The legs were thick and slow forming by the way, but I wouldn’t say that correlates to a viscous or heavy mouthfeel whatsoever.
My initial impression is I really like this and I’m looking forward to further enjoying and analyzing this wine later tonight. Perhaps with some accompaniments to see how well it pairs with food.
Here are some photos I took…
These photos are properly orientated on my phone. I’m not sure why the image hosting site is rotating them.
@kawichris650 Looks good and thanks!
We are on the last of the bottle and the wine has remained consistent. It is initially fruit forward with dark berry notes, but that is followed up with the backbone of the smooth and well integrated tannins. So it remains light/tart and not overly extracted by any means. There’s also a nice spice component to it on the finish. At 15.2% abv the wine is very balanced and doesn’t come across as “hot” whatsoever. Right now the wine is very enjoyable and approachable for a relatively young cab. I suspect it will get even better (i.e. more complex) with age as the components have time to develop/mature. My friend and I both agree the case price offers great QPR and this is a wine many will enjoy. Many thanks go out to the entire team at Casemates for all the work you do and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be a Lab Rat. I certainly look forward to the next round, if I’m so fortunate.
Question: Ok, We were able to buy the Gard Malbec from the Lawrence Vineyard. 34 states were able to buy that offering. This Cabernet Sauvignon also from Lawrence Vineyard offered by Gard, but is only available in 21 states. Same state, same vineyard, same vintner.
So why could we buy the Malbec grown in Washington State, Lawrence Vineyards, but not this CS offer? Does each varietal need a separate State license?
Seems like it’s easier to buy internationally than it is to buy American Made!! U.S. Politicians seem to screw everything up at the state and national level!!
@Boatman72
:
I am not sure what’s up with this winery and their ever-changing licensing. See my post above
@chipgreen LOL, love the image!!! At least I’m not the only one noticing it and it definitely saves our wallet!!
What’s up SE Michiganders?!! This would be a great one to get, so we’ll have to split! I will be out of town the week it ships! So pick up one whole pack or two and when I return I will pick up any extras from you (all)…
@ttboy23 I’ll grab a case
@kasandrae That’s great, you’re a wine savior AND a wine saver.
@ttboy23 It is here…let me know availability and I will get you some. No hurry…
Any interest Central NY’ers in splitting a case? Especially since it looks like we’re one of the privileged few states who get to partake in this fine offering @Fritzcat @NatasG @ecanada @domels
@tklempay I’d take a couple or so, if you get enough interest.
Gard’s Vacluse is one of my favorite wines. Looking forward to giving this a try.
What ? Iowa not on the shipping list…
Oh well, think I’ve purchased 11 cases in recent memory, should build more wine racks anyway before I get more
Wish this could ship to Vermont… Sounds like a Cab I’d like.
@winedavid49
just received my shipment and upon opening the box, both bottles have leaked. Has this happened to anyone else? Is the wine okay?
@chefjess Just discovered almost my entire case is badly corked . . .
@sammypedram @winedavid49
Thanks for the note, sammypedram. As I didn’t hear from anyone until your reply, I opened my bottles and same. I will send a note to support as well.
@winedavid49
Just discovered the vast majority of the bottles in my case are corked, bad. I have sent a ticket to customer service but wanted others to be aware/to check their bottles.
@sammypedram we’ll fix that! Sorry to hear.
@Winedavid49 Thanks so much! You’re the man!! Your customer service really is second to none. Thank you.
@sammypedram I just opened the two bottles I ordered, and they are both corked as well. It is too bad because Gard’s vacluse is one of my favorite wines.
Late to the party but I wish I’d splurged for a case. I’m an unsophisticated wine lover who’s greatly appreciated the recommendations from casemates (and wine woot) experts, helping me enjoy some wonderful wines. Day 2 of my first bottle. Delicious.
@Rottie thanks , glad you liked it!