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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 30, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2010 and 2010
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Abreu |
2010 |
Howell Mountain Proprietary Blend  |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (11/2013): The 2010 Howell Mountain is simply magnificent. Inky, deep, and full-bodied to the core, the 2010 blasts out of the glass with graphite, pencil shavings, menthol, melted road tar, plum, cassis and licorice notes. The 2010 is an exciting, viscerally thrilling wine that takes hold of the sense and never lets up. Today, it is firing on all cylidners. The Howell Mountain is the only Abreu wine that incorporates Malbec, a variety that seems to work magic here. The 2010 is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec and 5% Merlot.
WA 94-97 (10/2013): An absolute blockbuster, the 2010 Howell Mountain includes Malbec and Petit Verdot blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of barbecue smoke, lead pencil shavings and wet rocks. This ripe, smoky, intense, full-bodied wine reveals a boatload of tannins, but also richer fruit and a deeper, multidimensional mouthfeel and finish than the 2009, which appears to be more broodingly backward and structured. This appears to be a great success. Consume it over the next 25-30 years. |
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| Alban Vineyards |
2010 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (8/2015): Coming from the coolest vintage on record at the time (before 2011), the 2010 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard still hit 15.2% natural alcohol, of which it doesn't show a trace. Possessing the telltale Iodine and seaweed character this cuvee always shows, it has lots of darker fruits, smoked herbs, black olive and a touch of floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated, firm and structured, it's a serious, age-worthy wine from John that should be forgotten for 4-5 years. |
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| Anakota |
2010 |
Helena Dakota Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2013): The same can be said for the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard. However, it offers sweeter tannins as well as slightly more evolved and complex aromas of unsmoked, high class cigar tobacco, graphite, blackberries, cassis, spring flowers and a distinctive minerality. Although deep, full-bodied and backward, the sweet fruit and tannin provide a more upfront character than the 2009. It, too, is a 30-50-year wine.
VM 93 (5/2020): Bright ruby to the rim. Musky aromas of mountain blackberry and minerals, plus a whiff of leather and a violet high note. Plush, broad and utterly seamless on entry, but with the lively violet element giving definition to the fully ripe, sweet black fruits in the middle palate. A wave of fine tannins dusts the palate and teeth on the sweet but youthfully medicinal back end, which boasts terrific, slow-building length. This beauty delivers wonderfully plush fruit and considerable power without coming across as hot. (from a vineyard planted at 750 feet) (Drink between 2020-2032). Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2010 |
Helena Montana Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard is cut from the same cloth. Its opaque purple color and sweet creme de cassis fruit intermixed with crushed rock and forest floor notes lead to a broad, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel with excruciatingly high tannins and intense power and richness. It should be forgotten for at least a decade.
VM 93+ (5/2020): Saturated ruby to the rim. The nose shows more mineral lift but less fruit expressiveness than the Helena Dakota, offering hints of blackberry, cassis, menthol, flowers and spices. Sweet, dense and fine-grained but quite powerful too, conveying strong rocky minerality and verve. A bit less pliant on the finish than the Helena Dakota but the firm tannins are ripe and suave. Really stains the palate with violet. A higher-pitched wine than the Helena Dakota and a bit more tightly wound, reflecting its vineyard's somewhat higher altitude, but with its lovely floral lift and superb definition, this boasts outstanding potential for further development in bottle. (from a vineyard at 950 feet) (Drink between 2022-2037). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2010 |
Eloge Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
7 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (11/2013): Grilled herbs, tobacco, menthol, licorice and plums all take shape in the 2010 Eloge. Rich, layered and expressive, the 2010 is resonant and deeply expressive throughout. Gently spiced notes appear on the finish, adding dimensions of complexity and nuance. Today the 2010 is a bit closed in on itself and a touch compact, while the aromatics aren't quite as precise as they could be. Drink between 2016-2030. Antonio Galloni.
WA 88 (10/2013): The Eloge program has always been Anderson’s Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. From a late harvest (through the first week of November), the 2010 Eloge is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot aged 24 months in wood. Its dark plum/ruby color does not possess the saturation of the Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. Plenty of jammy blueberry, black cherry and wild mountain berry fruit set it apart from previous vintages of this cuvee. Medium-bodied and more Euro-centric in style, it is an attractive albeit lower-keyed, down-scaled version of Eloge. It should drink well for 10-12 years. Drink between 2013-2025. |
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|
2010 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (11/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is fabulous. It is also the best of the 2010s at the estate. A rich, powerful Cabernet, the 2010 captures the essence of the vintage. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, spices and tobacco all take shape in the glass. Today, the 2010 is firing on all cylinders. A huge, explosive finish rounds things out in style. Antonio Galloni. |
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2010 |
Right Bank Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2013): Mocha, plums, cloves, menthol and licorice all flesh out in the 2010 Right Bank. Rich, layered and expressive, the 2010 stands out for its superb balance and layered personality. The 2010 is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot playing a leading role in defining the wine's juicy, resonant personality. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Araujo Estate |
2010 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$1,200 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2012): Araujo’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a picture perfect example of the year. Vibrant, precise and beautifully chiseled, the 2010 boasts serious depth and concentration. The aromas and flavors are incredibly vivid in this textured, dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of dark blue and black fruit, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs flesh out on the huge finish. Today the 2010 is unusually open, but it is almost certain to shut down in bottle over the next 6-12 months. The 2010 is a super-classic Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon from Araujo. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035.
VM 95+ (6/2013): Good full, deep red-ruby. More floral and refined on the nose than the Alta Gracia, offering ineffable aromas of blueberry, brown spices, menthol, bay laurel and cedar. Marvelously silky on entry, then opens out dramatically on the back half, showing insidious, savory flavor concentration but also finishing with Outstanding grip and verve. The very fine-grained, building tannins are perked up by notes of pepper and herbs. This wonderfully poised wine, delivering great richness without any undue weight, displays classic Eisele Vineyard character without any signs of roasted fruit. Understated today, this beauty may well merit an even higher score eight or ten years down the road.
WS 94 (11/2013): Pure, rich and delicious, with a sumptuous core of melted black licorice, dark berry, nutmeg-scented spice, loamy earth and dried herb. Shows impressive focus, density and persistence. Tempting now, but should age well. Best from 2014 through 2028. 1,900 cases made. |
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| Arietta |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92+ (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa from proprietor Fritz Hatton is another winner. Rich and dense with an inky/blue/purple color, plenty of tannin and graphite, a touch of oak, and attractive spice, purity and texture, this young Cabernet should be forgotten for several more years, and drunk over the following 15-20, perhaps longer. |
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|
2010 |
88 Keys Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2017): Arietta's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Keys is a deep, concentrated wine, qualities that are further brought out by extended time in barrel. Chocolate, torrefaction, spice and dark shades of fruit are pushed forward. This is an especially creamy, unctuous Cabernet that will appeal most to readers who like flamboyant wines. Andy Erickson gave the 2010 27 months in barrel. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Auteur |
2010 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Avennia |
2010 |
Sestina (1.5 L) Cracked Wax Capsule; Signed Bottle |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2013): More toasty, rich and muscular, the 2010 Sestina has more Cabernet in the blend (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc) and saw 70% new oak for 20 months. Coming from both Bacchus and Red Willow Vineyards, it offers up a serious bouquet of black raspberries, graphite, grilled toast, chocolate and wild herbs that flows to a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful 2010 that has Outstanding purity of fruit and burly back-end structure that will take some time to integrate. Less approachable at present than the Gravura, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will have 15+ years or more of total longevity. Drink 2016-2025+.
VM 93 (11/2012): (all from older vines, including a lot of 1972 Bacchus cabernet sauvignon; 73% cabernet, 18% merlot and 9% cabernet franc; aged in 70% new oak): Good full, dark red. Enticing aromas of redcurrant and sandalwood. Generous, pliant and rich, with sweet black raspberry fruit nicely lifted by strong minerality. The sweetest, roundest and fullest of these 2010s, more opulent than the Gravura and impressively broad on the back end. The tannins are serious but sweet on the very broad finish. This was the best set of new wines I tasted in Washington in July, but given their pedigree this should not come as a surprise. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 92 (5/2013): Focused, expressive and generous, with cedary blackberry and curry spice flavors that linger on the polished finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2018. 200 cases made. |
|
| Beringer |
2010 |
Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is built from completely different sources. Sixty-six percent came from the St. Helena Home Ranch, 18% from the Chabot Vineyard, and the rest from Beringer’s estates in St. Helena, Rutherford and Coombsville. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that came in at 14.6% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.8. Perhaps the greatest Beringer Private Reserve since the 2007, 2005, 2002 and 2001, the 2010 offers up notes of lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, subtle smoke, wet rocks and background oak. Full-bodied, rich and impressive, it can be drunk now or cellared for two decades. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2010 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (12/2012): (58% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 7% petit verdot): Bright, full red. Spicy high notes to the aromas of raspberry, graphite, sandalwood and cocoa powder. Juicy, perfumed and precise; not a fleshy style but elegant, vibrant and extremely young. Today the wine's mid-palate flavors and texture are still a bit suppressed by the bottling, but this long, firm-edged wine has the structure and inherent material to be Outstanding. In fact, I retasted the 2009 next to it, and while that wine was silkier and plusher, it is not likely to match the 2010 for complexity a few years down the road. |
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2010 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2012): Good full red-ruby. Pungent aromas of black raspberry, flint and licorice, lifted by an exotic white fruit quality. Very dense and pliant but with a light touch to the flavors of dark berries, tar and smoke lifted by minerals, peach and orange peel. Extremely closed and youthful but balanced from the start. Very elegantly styled and impressively intense wine with exotic high notes that remind me of a top Cote-Rotie. |
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2010 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (12/2012): (from a warmer site than the La Serenne): Bright red-ruby. Black raspberry, flowers, minerals and spices on the nose, plus a hint of black walnut that reminded me of Hermitage. Juicy on entry, then sinewy and penetrating in the middle, and clearly less pliant and sweet today than the La Serenne. The dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors are supported by obvious Red Mountain structure. For all its power, the minerally, spicy, peppery finish displays very fine-grained tannins and lovely subtle persistence. Actually a bit higher in pH than the La Serenne but this is likely to need at least as much time in the cellar--say five or six years. |
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2010 |
La Serenne Syrah (1.5 L) |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2012): (from Boushey Vineyard fruit): Bright nose features musky black raspberry, smoke, minerals, chocolate and a whiff of tar. Bright, delineated and intense, conveying terrific acidity for syrah. Proprietor Betz describes 2010 as "a return to structure in syrah" and this wine is also extremely primary, with tarry minerality and a cracked pepper quality adding nuance. Finishes with firm but suave tannins, excellent grip and terrific peppery lift. In texture, this wine is midway between Cote-Rotie and Saint-Joseph, and wonderfully fresh. |
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2010 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$145 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (6/2013): More firm and structured than the 2011, the Cabernet Sauvignon- dominated 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is a classic Washington State Bordeaux blend and has notions of black currant, pencil shavings, tobacco and mineral all showing on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied, concentrated and rich, it too leans towards the elegant end of the spectrum with superb purity of fruit, clean acidity and ripe, polished tannin. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar and follow over the subsequent 15 years or more. Drink 2016-2025.
VM 94+ (12/2012): (86% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 8% merlot): Bright red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, redcurrant, dried mint and thyme. Densely packed, tactile and sweet but youthfully bound-up, with brisk acidity giving terrific cut and precision to the wine's dark fruit and spearmint flavors. Finishes with strong tannic spine and a terrific structure for aging. As young as this cabernet is, with its inner-mouth perfume it's showier today than the Clos de Betz. I'd wait at least five years on this one. Interestingly, Bob Betz told me that the latest pickers got prunes in 2010 waiting for their pHs to go up and acids to come down. "Still, October saved the vintage," he added. (The 2009 Pere de Famille, which I rated 93(+?) last year, had gained in fullness and pliancy with another year in bottle, and merited 94 points. But the 2010 should show an even more eventful evolution in bottle.) |
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| Blankiet |
2010 |
Prince of Hearts Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2013): (a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 3% cab franc and 1% petit verdot; aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barrels): Good deep ruby-red. Captivating mineral and floral lift to the aromas of raspberry and red licorice. Suave and perfumed in the mouth; not a monster of density but live acidity gives shape and lift to the juicy raspberry and spice flavors. This is too easy to drink! Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Bond Estates (Harlan) |
2010 |
Pluribus Proprietary Blend |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98 (11/2013): Graphite, smoke, savory herbs, tobacco and licorice all meld together in a huge, powerful, structured wine. Layers of fruit cover every inch of the palate in a dark, brooding wine endowed with serious intensity. Today, the 2010 is absolutely striking in its beauty. Always a big, tannic wine, the 2010 Pluribus is one of the most elegant and refined Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted from this site. The intensely savory, mineral notes typical of the wine are there, but the 2010 also has a level of purity in its fruit that is striking. This is a stunning wine from BOND.
WA 97 (10/2013): The 2010 Pluribus reveals classic notes of blueberry and mulberry fruit intermixed with hints of violets, incense and licorice. The striking aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, dense, supple-textured, multidimensional wine that should drink well for 25-30 years.
VM 95+ (5/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Distinctly wild aromas of dark berries, leather and licorice, with a whiff of game; as in some past years, this called to mind a ripe vintage of Leoville-Las Cases. Then dense and savory in the mouth but not especially sweet, with superconcentrated dark fruit flavors showing a brambly mountain intensity and attractive spicy lift. Still extremely backward, this very powerful, youthfully medicinal wine conveys a strong impression of dry extract. The slowly mounting finish features very strong but fine-grained tannins. A good percentage of this wine is fermented in barrels in an attempt to soften its huge Spring Mountain tannins.
JS 94 (5/2014): Extremely floral, with violets and dark berries such as blueberries. Full, bold palate with chewy tannins, warm stone and fresh herbs. Some bark and sandalwood. Chewy wine. Needs time to soften: better in 2018.
WS 92 (10/2013): Dense and extracted, offering a powerful mix of loamy earth, dried berry, herb, road tar and pencil lead, this is also quite tannic and cedary. Should reward cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2028. 568 cases made. |
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| Booker Vineyard |
2010 |
Tempranillo |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (8/2012): There is no shortage of depth, power or richness in the 2010 Tempranillo. The 2010 boasts extraordinary purity and complexity, even if it doesn’t quite have the personality of the wines made from Rhone varieties. The 80% new oak has been absorbed masterfully. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. |
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2010 |
Alchemist 22 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94-96 (8/2012): In my view, the 2010 Alchemist 22 is the wine that seems to gain the most through the extended time in barrel, as the tannins have an element of polish that isn’t found in the regular bottling. Perfumed aromatics are woven throughout an expressive core of dark red fruit, licorice, tar and mint. The overall impression is one of seamless beauty and tons of promise. This is a fabulous showing from Booker and proprietor Eric Jensen. Antonio Galloni. |
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2010 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 95-97 (8/2012): The 2010 Fracture (Syrah) shows off gorgeous purity and finesse in its rich dark fruit. This is a decidedly overt, flashy wine, yet it also possesses stunning aromatics and impeccable, world-class balance. Layers of fruit built to the huge, opulent finish. I can hardly wait to taste this from bottle. In 2010, 100% of the fruit was de stemmed. Antonio Galloni.
JD 94-97 (6/2012): Not yet bottled and tasted out of barrel, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Syrah Fracture is possibly the most impressive vintage of this to date. A blend of 100% Syrah that’s aged all in French oak, it delivers a stunning bouquet of smoked black fruits, toast, chocolate, roasted meats, and crushed flowers that gives way to a full-bodied, structured, and elegantly put together palate. Chewy, ripe tannin frames the finish beautifully, and this is impressive. It should benefit from short term cellaring on release, and have a fairly broad drink window. |
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2010 |
My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (8/2012): Booker’s 2010 My Favorite Neighbor bursts from the glass with a heady array of blueberries, dark cherries, spices, violets, mint and licorice. The 2010 stands out for its huge fruit and impeccable balance. Proprietor Eric Jensen planned to give the wine a full 24 months in oak. This is another compelling wine full of promise. The blend is 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Petit Verdot and 23% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
VM 92 (12/2012): (made from 44% cabernet sauvignon, 33% petit verdot and 23% syrah): Bright purple. Spicy cherry, cassis and blueberry aromas are brightened by cracked pepper and rose, with a slow-building vanilla note adding sweetness. Pliant, deeply concentrated dark berry flavors show very good precision and energy, with an exotic building floral pastille note adding vibrancy. Shows impressive power on the finish, which offers a bitter cherry pit character and noteworthy persistence.
WS 92 (3/2013): Rich, gutsy and structured, with a firm mix of earthy tannins, road tar, dried dark berry, sage and cedar, showing strong character. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Drink now through 2022. 193 cases made. |
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2010 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$62 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2012): The 2010 Oublie opens with exquisite aromatics. Dark cherries, incense, exotic spices, flowers and mint are beautifully layered in this delineated, striking wine. A gorgeous, totally refined finish elevates the Oublie to a rarified level. The blend is 43% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre, 16% Counoise and 15% Grenache, with about 30% whole clusters used in vinification. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. |
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2010 |
Remnant Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2012): The 2010 Remnant is gorgeous and utterly refined from the very first taste. Dark red cherries plums, licorice, incense, mint and spices are some of the many notes that jump from the glass in this delineated, fragrant red. The appropriately named Remnant is 60% Syrah, 20% Tempranillo, 11% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache and 4% Counoise, all what Jensen calls 'super-press juice,' which is the part of the press many winemakers don't even use in their final blends. In other words, Remnant is essentially a wine made from leftovers. Frankly, this a bit of a miracle in the glass, but everything works together beautifully. That can only mean that Booker is a great site, and Eric Jensen knows how to coax the very best from his vines.
VM 93 (11/2012): Dark purple. Powerful aromas of candied dark berries, licorice and mocha, with smoke and allspice nuances that build with air. Lush and expansive, offering ripe black and blue fruit flavors lifted by gentle acidity. Closes sweet, supple and very long, with pliant tannins and resonating spiciness. Josh Raynolds.
JD 93 (6/2012): Even more structured and firm, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Remnant is a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Tempranillo, 11% Mourvedre, 5% Grenache, and 4% Counoise that contains a touch of press wine, and was fermented with 50% whole cluster and aged all in neutral oak for 16 months. Very masculine and edgy, with aromas of blackberry and currant fruit intermixed with dark chocolate, pan drippings, and bloody meat, this full-bodied blend is savory, chewy, and concentrated on the palate. The edgy quality of the Tempranillo really shows in the tannin structure and this will benefit from 1-2 years (or more) of bottle age, and have an interesting evolution. |
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2010 |
Ripper Grenache |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97+ (8/2012): I was blown away by the 2010 Ripper, a 100% Grenache done in concrete for the first time. It boasts captivating aromatic complexity, layers of sweet, refined fruit and fabulous overall balance. Vivid red fruit, flowers, mint and spices linger on the sublime finish. The Ripper boasts extraordinary varietal expression. Making pure Grenache in Paso Robles is not easy, but this is a model of what can be achieved here. Although impeccably restrained, the sheer glycerin and richness are pure California. The 2010 Ripper is a modern-day classic from Booker and proprietor Eric Jensen. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. |
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2010 |
The Alchemist Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (6/2012): The 2010 Booker Vineyard The Alchemist (80% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Sirah and in 50% new French oak) is much more in the typical Booker Spectrum and is a classic, textbook Paso Robles blend. Offering up chocolate-laced aromas of blackberry, raspberry, spice, smoke, and tar, this full-bodied, powerful blend is voluptuous and gorgeously textured, while still showing the focused profile of the 2010 vintage. Beautifully pure, layered, and rich, this beauty will age gracefully for a decade or more. |
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2010 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2012): A big, classic Booker Syrah, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Vertigo (63% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 12% Mourvedre aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak) is loaded with juicy red and black fruits, dark chocolate, licorice, and subtle floral qualities to flow to a full-bodied, gorgeously textured wine. While there’s loads of texture and fruit here, this is far from soft, and possesses integrated acidity, notable balance, and a clean, focused finish. It should drink nicely for 5-8 years or more. |
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| Bryant Family Vineyard |
2010 |
DB4 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$165 |
6 |
|
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| WA 94 (12/2012): The 2010 DB4 is insanely beautiful. Crushed rocks, plums, cinnamon and licorice jump from the glass from this striking, delineated wine. In 2010, the DB4 has a level of pure energy and vibrancy that is missing in the 2009, most likely because it also includes declassified lots from the Bettina. This is a great showing from Don Bryant and his team. In most cellars, the DB4 would be the top wine, but here it is the second label. Top flight Napa Cabernet is seldom inexpensive, but this is just about as good as it gets for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. |
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| Bunnell Family Cellars |
2010 |
Red Mtn. Syrah |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Cabaud |
2010 |
Mon Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Carte Blanche (Nicholas Allen) |
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2012): Another powerful, young wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is incredibly dense and virtually impenetrable. Blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, new leather, menthol and tobacco flow through to an incisive finish layered with graphite and crushed rocks. Today, the 2010 is cool and implosive, suggesting it needs at least another few years to come together. The addition of 10% Petit Verdot seems to give the wine some of its brooding personality. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Caymus |
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is a beauty. Dense ruby/purple-colored, it is filled with creme de cassis fruit, supple tannins and an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel. The family believes in delivering exceptional pleasure and intensity to their wines, but they also have remarkable aging potential as the 1975 and 1976 Special Selections in my cellar bear witness.
WS 92 (12/2012): Young and appropriately vibrant and grapey. Homes in on pure currant and blackberry fruit, veering briefly toward cedar and tobacco before tightening on the finish. Best from 2014 through 2024. 58,300 cases made. |
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2010 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$315 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection exhibits an opaque purple color, slightly more toasty oak in the aromatics, and explosive richness on the attack, mid-palate and length. The nose is slightly more restrained than in the regular bottling, but there is no doubting the Special Selection is a cut or two above the Napa bottling when it hits the palate. Extraordinary purity of fruit, creme de cassis, licorice and incense all emerge from this full-bodied, iconic classic. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 25+ years.
WS 96 (6/2013): (WS #83 wine of 2013) A seductive style that's openly fruity, showing supple plum and black cherry notes, with floral scents and spices, turning creamy and gaining a mocha-espresso-vanilla scent that's enticing. Finishes with a smooth texture, fine-grained tannins and then another burst of fruit. Drink now through 2025. 9,600 cases made.
VM 93 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is, big, rich, voluptuous and totally sexy. Mocha, chocolate, plums, sweet spices and black cherries jump from the glass in this full-bodied, intense wine. This is one of the more immediate wines of the vintage, but all the elements are very nicely balanced. Once again Caymus has produced a gorgeous Special Selection that is delicious on its own, but that is also remarkable for a relatively large production of 9,600 cases that will make it easy to find. |
|
| Cobb |
2010 |
Diane Cobb Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$106.25 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (7/2013): The 2010 Pinot Noir Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard has an extra level of mid-palate juiciness and depth next to the straight Coastlands bottling. Sweet, dense and perfumed, the 2010 is all about texture and perfume, of course in the restrained style of the vintage. Readers who can resist the temptation of opening bottles for at least a few years will be on for a real treat. (Drink between 2013-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (11/2020): Pale garnet, the 2010 Pinot Noir Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard has an incredible perfume of violets, tea leaves, tangerine and loads of dried, sweet red berry fruits with alluring earth and amaro accents. The light-bodied palate is so elegant, with chocolaty tannins, seamless freshness and delicate, pure sweet berry fruits, finishing long, uplifted and ethereal. Wow! What a gorgeous, mature Sonoma Cost Pinot Noir. |
|
| Coleman Nicole |
2010 |
Roman’s Lot II Pinot Noir |
$31.50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Roman’s Lot II Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Corliss |
2010 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2024): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon captivates with an initial burst of black raspberry and clove, then closes in on itself, coming across as youthfully brooding. This is racy and sleek, traversing sweet and sour with its tart wild berry fruits and spices. It's the acidity that really shines here, enlivening the palate while forcing the mouth to water. The 2010 tapers off with notes of hard red candies, licorice and rose. What a darling. (Drink between 2023-2029). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2010 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$170 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2024): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon captivates with an initial burst of black raspberry and clove, then closes in on itself, coming across as youthfully brooding. This is racy and sleek, traversing sweet and sour with its tart wild berry fruits and spices. It's the acidity that really shines here, enlivening the palate while forcing the mouth to water. The 2010 tapers off with notes of hard red candies, licorice and rose. What a darling. (Drink between 2023-2029). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2010 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2013): Good red-ruby. Redcurrant, licorice and graphite on the nose, lifted by floral and minty nuances. At once broad and delineated in the mouth, with lovely perfume and energy to the flavors of redcurrant, cocoa powder, tobacco leaf and sexy oak. Very fresh, pliant blend with a savory, slow-building aftertaste featuring suave tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Estate Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$130 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2013): Good red-ruby. Redcurrant, licorice and graphite on the nose, lifted by floral and minty nuances. At once broad and delineated in the mouth, with lovely perfume and energy to the flavors of redcurrant, cocoa powder, tobacco leaf and sexy oak. Very fresh, pliant blend with a savory, slow-building aftertaste featuring suave tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Coup de Foudre |
2010 |
Cuvee 37.2 Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
11 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2013): The 2010 Merlot 37.2 Cuvee is composed of 56% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. Seductive notes of kirsch, licorice, lavender and lots of juicy fruits characterize this velvety-textured, opulent Merlot that cascades over the palate with no hard edges. This is pure hedonism combined with class and complexity. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. |
|
| Culler |
2010 |
Cortese Vyd. Syrah |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): Culler's 2010 Syrah Cortese Vineyard is gorgeous. To be sure, this is an understated Syrah that emphasizes sweet floral fruit, bright aromatics and silky tannins. More typical varietal notes are just beginning to develop. Hints of sage, game, licorice and smoke add complexity on the finish. The Cortese Syrah emerges from a site in Coombsville planted with Estrella and Cote Rotie selections. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2010 |
Sawi Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2010 |
Maya Proprietary Blend Nicked Label |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2013): The 2010 Maya is a less evolved, more backward, brooding wine with a dense opaque blue/purple color, explosive richness, and abundant notes of incense, camphor, charcoal, blackberries, blueberries and hints of violets and forest floor. Full-bodied, pure, deep, structured and powerful, this massive Maya comes across as even bigger and richer than the 2009. Forget it for 3-5 years and drink it over the following 30+ years.
VM 96+ (6/2013): (two-thirds cabernet sauvignon and one-third cab franc): Deep, bright ruby. Crushed blueberry and violet on the perfumed nose. Densely packed and wonderfully aromatic, with terrific floral lift to the sharply delineated dark berry flavors. Almost painful in the early going, but has great energy and class. Finishes with big, broad tannins and Outstanding vibrating persistence. Should turn out to be one of the monuments of the vintage. I've long been a sucker for cabernet franc from this red volcanic soil on the eastern hillside above Oakville.
WS 93 (10/2013): Firm, dense and tannic, offering a potent mix of dried berry, black licorice, dried herb and savory notes, gaining tannic traction and ending with a wonderful push of flavors that bode well for the future. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2025. 420 cases made. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2010 |
Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Den Hoed |
2010 |
Andreas Wallula Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2014): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Andreas is gorgeous. Comprised of 100% Cabernet and aged 30 months in 90% new French oak, it gives up classic Cabernet Sauvignon flair with green tobacco, black currant, lead pencil and underbrush flowing to a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, rich and yet still fresh profile on the palate. In short, it’s a stunning Cabernet to drink over the coming 20 years or more.
VM 91+ (12/2014): Bright, saturated red-ruby. Deep, complex aromas of blueberry, violet and mocha. A sweet, lovely midweight with intense dark berry and chocolate flavors accented by violet florality. Really superb depth of fruit here. This very primary wine finishes broad and sweet, with suave tannins and lovely lift. Should enjoy a graceful evolution in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Dominus |
2010 |
Proprietary Blend |
$369 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2013): Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the stunning, full-bodied 2010 Dominus boasts an exceptional perfume of hoisin sauce, licorice, underbrush, forest floor, plums, black currants and jammy cherries intertwined with hints of cedar, baking spices and oak. Full-bodied and voluptuously textured, the 2010 is on a slightly faster evolutionary track than the 2009 (somewhat of an anomaly for these two vintages). This exquisite as well as prodigious 2010 can be drunk young, but it should age effortlessly for 20-25 years. Bravo!
VM 94+ (5/2012): Bright, full ruby. High-pitched aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate, with more medicinal bitter cherry and mesquite notes emerging with aeration. Rich but youthfully tight, conveying an impression of brooding power. This very dense wine is actually creamy and wonderfully fine-grained in the middle but comes across as quite firm and bracing owing to its sharp definition and restrained sweetness. Communicates an impression of very even fruit ripeness. Finishes with terrific mineral-driven length. Built for long aging: will this eventually surpass the Outstanding 2009 bottling?
WS 92 (11/2013): Graceful and refined, offering a subtle mix of delicate Cabernet flavors, with dried currant, cherry, herb, cedar, cigar box and graphite notes, ending with smooth, integrated tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2024. 3,000 cases made. |
|
| Donelan |
2010 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
10 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (12/2011): I was able to taste each component destined for the 2010 Donelan Cuvée Moriah and this cuvee always excels aromatically, and this vintage is no exception. Sporting already complex notions of herbs de Provence, pepper, earth, and meaty characteristics, each component was medium-bodied, well balanced, and possessed an overall fresh, pure character. Lighter styled and elegant, this will most likely benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of a decade of prime drinking.
VM 88-90 (2/2012): Donelan's 2010 Cuvee Moriah is a blend of 54% Grenache, 26% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah fermented with 25-50% whole clusters depending on the variety. Mint, licorice, tar, smoke and blackberries are some of the notes that take shape in the glass as this intensely aromatic wine opens up in the glass. Today the tannins are a bit firm and I get a sense the fruit may not have achieved full ripeness. It will be interesting to see how the wine develops after bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| L' Ecole No. 41 |
2010 |
Apogee Pepper Bridge Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2013): Along the same lines and focusing on Pepper Bridge Vineyard, the 2010 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc that sees the same treatment in the winery as the Perigee) offers up a deeper, mineral-laced profile of black currant, tobacco, earth and crushed stone. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with great mid-palate depth and building tannin, it too needs a handful of years to round into shape and will have an easy 15 years of ultimate longevity. Drink 2016-2025.
VM 91+ (11/2013): Saturated, bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, licorice and a full dose of oak on the nose. Fat, ripe and sweet, with excellent breadth to its dark fruit and chocolate flavors. But can't quite match the Perigee for definition of fruit or distinction. More closed today but still full of life. Finishes with serious, building tannins that call for at least three or four years of patience. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Perigee Estate Seven Hills Vyd. Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2013): One of the estate-s single vineyard releases that focuses on the Seven Hills Vineyard that-s located in the southwestern part of the Walla Walla Valley, the 2010 Perigee Estate Seven Hills Vineyard is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Spending 22 months in 50% new French oak, it-s a knockout effort that has full-bodied richness and depth as well as beautifully complex aromas and flavors of black cherries, raspberry, spice box, underbrush and toast. Concentrated, layered and with plenty of ripe tannin, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will drink beautifully through 2025. Drink 2016-2025.
VM 92+ (11/2013): Full, deep ruby-red. Enticing high-toned aromas of currant, blackberry, dark cherry, coffee, mocha and subtle spices. Sweet, spicy and concentrated on the palate, offering lovely tension to the dark fruit and mocha flavors. Impressive density and medicinal reserve here for aging. Suave, balanced and deep, finishing with noble building tannins and terrific length. Very classy wine: an outstanding vintage for this bottling. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Efeste |
2010 |
Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2010 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (10/2013): The juicy, sexy, well-made 2010 Merlot (97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc) reveals an attractive dark ruby/purple color in addition to notes of mocha, berry fruit and spice, a generous, opulent mouthfeel and a heady finish |
|
|
2010 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. This brilliant, rich Cabernet boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as admirable ripeness, a touch of toasty oak, and copious blueberry, black currant, licorice and forest floor characteristics. Full-bodied and well-balanced with supple tannins, it can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more. |
|
|
2010 |
One Twenty Over Eighty Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Epoch Estate Wines |
2010 |
Authenticity Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2010 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135.15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Favia |
2010 |
Cerro Sur Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2013): The 2010 Cerro Sur emphasizes their belief in older vines, and tiny yielding Cabernet Franc vines. The 2010, a blend of 69% Cabernet Franc and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits a deep ruby/purple color and an expansive perfume of blueberries, violets and licorice, a succulent, plush, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and no evidence of wood. It was bottled without fining or filtration. Drinkable now, it should last for 10-15 years.
VM 93+ (5/2020): Bright dark ruby to the rim. Darker and more brooding than the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Offers aromas of black cherry, licorice, menthol, brown spices and a whiff of fennel, but a bit bound-up today. Tighter and a bit higher-pitched than the Cabernet Sauvignon, with its sweetness and brisk acidity yet to come into perfect harmony. Very concentrated and structured even if it's not yet showing quite the current appeal and silkiness of the Cabernet but this wine too boasts terrific energy and its tannins are very suave. Finishes with a touch of Cabernet Franc leafiness, sexy dusty soil tones and a whiff of tobacco, not to mention plenty of tannic support and outstanding persistence. I suspect there's still more to come. Incidentally, this bottle lost none of its verve with 48 hours in the refrigerator but it will never be as plush and pliant as the Napa Valley version. A classic, potentially long-lived example of Cabernet Franc from cooler Coombsville. (Drink between 2022-2037). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
The Lincoln Grenache |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2010 |
Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2013): On another level, the 2010 Estate Red Wine is something to behold! A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon – yet with smaller portions of Merlot and Petit Verdot – aged in 75% new and 25% 1-year-old French oak barrels for 20 months, it has a decidedly dark fruit profile with Pauillac-like aromas of black raspberry, creme de cassis, coffee bean, graphite, mineral and toasted bread all emerging from the glass. Deep, rich and layered, with a full-bodied, concentrated and structured feel on the palate, it fleshes out beautifully with air and is up there with the creme de la creme of the vintage and region. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age (or more) and will have 20-25 years of evolution. Drink 2016-2035. Coming from an estate vineyard that’s located on the eastern edge of the Walla Walla Valley, off of Mill Creek Road and at an elevation of roughly 1,750 feet, these wines are made by Chris Figgins (of Leonetti) and show classic profiles. As the score suggests, this is one producer not to miss!
WS 92 (10/2013): Dense and chewy, with a swarm of tannins around a soft core of blackberry and dark spice flavors, which emerge onto the finish and linger enticingly, hinting at floral and chocolate overtones. The tannins are worrisome, but this should reward cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best after 2015. 1,550 cases made. |
|
|
2010 |
Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2013): On another level, the 2010 Estate Red Wine is something to behold! A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon – yet with smaller portions of Merlot and Petit Verdot – aged in 75% new and 25% 1-year-old French oak barrels for 20 months, it has a decidedly dark fruit profile with Pauillac-like aromas of black raspberry, creme de cassis, coffee bean, graphite, mineral and toasted bread all emerging from the glass. Deep, rich and layered, with a full-bodied, concentrated and structured feel on the palate, it fleshes out beautifully with air and is up there with the creme de la creme of the vintage and region. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age (or more) and will have 20-25 years of evolution. Drink 2016-2035. Coming from an estate vineyard that’s located on the eastern edge of the Walla Walla Valley, off of Mill Creek Road and at an elevation of roughly 1,750 feet, these wines are made by Chris Figgins (of Leonetti) and show classic profiles. As the score suggests, this is one producer not to miss!
WS 92 (10/2013): Dense and chewy, with a swarm of tannins around a soft core of blackberry and dark spice flavors, which emerge onto the finish and linger enticingly, hinting at floral and chocolate overtones. The tannins are worrisome, but this should reward cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best after 2015. 1,550 cases made. |
|
| Force Majeure |
2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (11/2013): Bright ruby. Sexy, vibrant aromas of black raspberry and blueberry lifted by high notes of flowers, pepper and spices. Very pure, juicy and intense, with strong but integrated acidity giving excellent definition to the flavors of blackberry, blueberry, violet, pepper and spices. I'd like to have seen a bit more syrah funk but there's no denying this wine's intensity, firm tannic spine and excellent length. Nothing overripe or thick about it. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2013): The 2010 Collaboration Series IV is a Merlot-dominated blend that’s made by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines. The stated goal with this cuvee is to straddle the line between old-world and Nld World in style, and while I’m not sure how close they got to that mark, I can say that it’s certainly a beautiful wine. Possessing an inky purple color as well as an up-front, intense bouquet of black and blue fruits, violets, licorice, leather and liquid flowers, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, hedonistically styled texture that carries solid freshness and plenty of framing tannin that emerges on the finish. There’s a smidge of volatile acidity here, yet the wine handles it and is a plush, downright sexy effort that’s hard to resist. It should have over a decade of evolution. Drink now-2023. |
|
|
2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2013): Bright, healthy ruby-red. Blueberry, cassis and menthol on the nose, along with a lower-toned whiff of nut skin; smells rather energetically extracted. Then lush and large-scaled on the palate, with sweet currant and raspberry flavors showing noteworthy depth. The huge tannins parch the tongue a bit, but the fruit outlasts them on the long finish. Definitely no-holds-barred! Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Collaboration Series V Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2013): The most full-throttle of the lineup, the 2010 Collaboration Series V is comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, from Ciel du Cheval blocks planted in 1975 and 1982, that was aged in 100% new French oak. Made by Chris Gorman, it offers up a decadent array of creme de cassis, smoked herbs, chocolate, roasted meats and freshly sharpened pencil-like qualities on the nose. Full-bodied, seamless and even elegant on the palate, yet with layers of fruit and texture, it has clean, integrated acidity, superb polish to its tannin and big minerality that emerges on the finish. Certainly impressive now, it still needs another 3-4 years of bottle age and will shine for 15 years or more. Drink 2015-2028+ |
|
|
2010 |
Collaboration Series VI Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (6/2013): A brilliant Southern Rhone-like blend of 56% Mourvedre, 38% Syrah and 6% Grenache that was fermented all in concrete and aged in neutral French oak puncheons, the 2010 Collaboration Series VI was made by James Mantone of Syncline Wines. Spectacular, with vividly defined aromas of blackberry, pepper, flowers, underbrush and licorice, it flows onto the palate with lively acidity, polished tannin and an elegant, seamless texture that has no hard edges and an overall classy, refined feel. Already approachable and complex, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink nicely for 10-12 years. Drink now-2025.
WS 92 (10/2013): Firm tannins underlie blackberry, currant and roasted meat flavors on a medium-weight frame, coming together on the plush finish. Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2018. 220 cases made.
VM 91+ (12/2013): (56% mourvedre, 38% syrah and 6% grenache; made by James Mantone of Syncline; fermented in square concrete bins and 500-liter puncheons): Good bright, medium ruby-red. High-toned aromas of red berries, red pepper and licorice, plus a whiff of tree bark. At once sweet and bright, with the red fruit flavors accented by spices and pepper. Lovely energetic, intense mourvedre here. A very successful blend with sound natural acidity. Most of the Force Majeure Vineyard's mourvedre fruit was stolen in 2010, with the thieves leaving only the outside rows intact. |
|
| Frank Family |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (11/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley opens with scents of cassis, smoke, licorice, violets and melted road tar. An attractive, medium-bodied wine by Napa standards, the 2010 is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. Blackberries, blueberries, cloves and menthol all flesh out on the finish. This is a very pretty, entry-level wine from Frank. A dollop of Merlot adds suppleness and softness. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2010 |
Reserve Petite Sirah |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Reserve Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2012): Bright ruby. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of candied blackberry, cherry-cola and mocha, with a sneaky floral quality building in the glass. Sappy and seamless in texture, with very good depth to its red and dark berry preserve flavors. Shows impressive power and energy on the finish, which lingers with resonating spiciness. In a plush, open-knit style and drinking very well right now. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2010 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2014): Dark red. Musky aromas of blackberry and blueberry. Sappy and seriously concentrated, with a lightly saline character to the flavors of black raspberry, truffle and pepper. In a pliant, rather plush style, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent length. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2010 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (11/2012): (13.9% alcohol, vs. 14.2% for the Lagniappe): Medium red-ruby. Deep, brooding aromas of musky black fruits, spicecake, pepper, smoke, brown spices and black olive. Rich, suave and fine-grained, with lush, seamless flavors of raspberry and olive perked up by pepper and herbs on the end. The biggest and richest of the 2010 syrahs from this producer but I find a bit less personality and definition today than the Lagniappe is currently showing. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2013): More rich, full and voluptuous, while still not losing the house style, the 2010 Syrah Lagniappe is a knockout Syrah that easily matches the brilliant 2009. Perfumed, intense and complex, with Northern Rhone-like aromas of wild berry fruit, smoked bacon, lavender and black pepper, it flows onto the palate with a classically constructed, firm mouthfeel that carries vibrant acidity, beautiful richness and a great finish. A 100% Syrah from Red Willow, Minick and SJR vineyards that spent 23 months in 14% new French oak, it builds brilliantly in the glass and will thrill for 10-12 years. Drink now-2022. |
|
| Greer |
2010 |
Greer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2010 |
Estate Grown Merlot Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 88 (10/2013): The attractive, complex 2010 Merlot exhibits plenty of espresso bean, red and black fruit, spice box, sweet cherry and Christmas fruitcake-like notes. This delicious, medium-bodied Merlot should be drunk over the next 5-6 years.
VM 87 (5/2014): Bright red-ruby. Black cherry, mocha and a hint of walnutty oak on the nose. Fat and sweet but a bit simple, with easygoing dark raspberry and blackberry fruit dominating. A little syrupy and in need of more verve. Finishes with substantial, moderately ripe, slightly dry-edged tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Miljenko’s Vyd. Petit Sirah |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hall Winery |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2013): Good bright, dark red with ruby highlights. Pure aromas of redcurrant, loam and licorice. Pliant and sweet, offering good texture and extract to its flavors of plum, currant, mocha and brown spices. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins and a drop of milk chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Hayfork |
2010 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch has turned out beautifully now that it is in bottle. Sweet red cherries, mint, licorice are beautifully layered in a wine that stands out for its ripe, juicy personality. Clean veins of minerality frame the refined finish. This attractive, totally sexy Cabernet Sauvignon should drink well with minimum cellaring. It is another terrific effort from winemaker Haley Wight. The 2010 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2010 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Bin-Soiled Label |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch has turned out beautifully now that it is in bottle. Sweet red cherries, mint, licorice are beautifully layered in a wine that stands out for its ripe, juicy personality. Clean veins of minerality frame the refined finish. This attractive, totally sexy Cabernet Sauvignon should drink well with minimum cellaring. It is another terrific effort from winemaker Haley Wight. The 2010 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Honig Cellars |
2010 |
Bartolucci Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2013): The single vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Bartolucci Vineyard exhibits toasty vanillin notes intermixed with red and black fruits. Nicely textured, rich, medium to full-bodied, elegant but substantial, this is a well-made Cabernet Sauvignon to consume over the next decade. |
|
| Jonata Winery |
2010 |
Todos Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2013): Looking at the entry level effort, and almost making me wonder why you would pony up the money for the La Sangre when you can get this level of quality at less than half the price, the 2010 Todos, which is over 75% Syrah, offers up knockout aromas and flavors, full-bodied richness and a seamless, layered profile that is hard to resist. Blackberry liqueur, caramelized beef, chocolate and flowers are just some of the nuances here and this pure, polished 2010 can be enjoyed now or cellared for a decade. Drink now-2020. |
|
| Justin |
2010 |
Isosceles Reserve Proprietary Blend |
$120 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2014): The star of the show, the 2010 Isosceles Reserve (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot aged 21 months in 100% new French oak) is a deep, rich and muscular effort that still has some oak and tannin to integrate. Graphite, smoked dark fruits, exotic spice and sweet oak all emerge from this brilliant effort, and it hits the palate with a full-bodied, concentrated profile that carries layers of sweet tannin, solid mid-palate depth and a great finish. The tannin quality here is exceptional, and while it has no shortage of fruit, it retains a sense of elegance and balance. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar and drink it through 2025. |
|
| Kapcsandy Family |
2010 |
State Lane Vyd. Estate Cuvee |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (11/2013): A model of grace and finesse, the 2010 Estate Cuvee is showing beautifully today. Grilled herbs, smoke, plum and black cherry notes all meld together in an exquisite, gracious wine loaded with finesse and elegance. Today, the 2010 is a bit reserved, but its energy and exuberance just need time to fully emerge. The 2010s vibrant and impeccably nuanced throughout. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Robert Keenan |
2010 |
Hard to Get Premiere Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Spring Mountain District Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2013): (100% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of cassis, blackberry, bitter chocolate, loam and spices. Sweet, bright and tightly wound, with lovely inner-mouth perfume to the well-delineated spicy black fruit flavors. Youthfully medicinal, energetic wine with a firm tannic spine that will need at least a few years of bottle aging to unwind. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Kistler |
2010 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Slightly Raised Cork |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (9/2013): Young, intense, vibrant and full-bodied, with rich dark berry fruit and firm, gripping tannins. Shows impressive density, but remains a little raw around the edges. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2023. 2,077 cases made. |
|
| Lail Vineyards |
2010 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2020): Full medium ruby. Mineral-driven, claret-like nose combines aromas of cassis, blueberry, espresso, dark chocolate, bell pepper and celery salt. Wonderfully savory if quite reticent on the palate, offering very suave, fine-grained flavors of black fruits, spices, tomato stem and herbs; I would have guessed that there was some Cabernet Franc here owing to the hints of licorice and violet. Not a particularly opulent wine but long on complexity and soil character. Make sure to decant this wine if you plan to open it soon, or, better yet, give it another few years of cellaring. (75% new oak; like many of her Napa Valley colleagues, Robin Lail described 2010 as a difficult growing season) Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2010 |
Firebelle Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (12/2012): The Merlot-based 2010 Proprietary Red Wine Firebelle boasts stunning depth, power and richness. Black cherries, chocolate, spices and new leather explode from the glass in this deep, resonant wine. There is more than enough fruit to fill out the wine’s big, broad-shouldered frame. This is an especially structured vintage for the Firebelle, partly because the Merlot is the lowest ever. Winemaker Andy Smith did a lot of co-ferments with the 2010 to bring all of the elements together. The 2010 is 42% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030. Antonio Galloni.
JS 94 (5/2014): Intense violets, dark chocolate and berries. Licorice. It's full-bodied with super-integrated tannins and a beautiful silky texture. It's long and fresh. A blend of 42% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon, 13% malbec, 5% petit verdot and 5% cabernet franc. |
|
| Law Estate Wines |
2010 |
Audacious Red Wine |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2013): An interesting blend of 44% Grenache, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah, the 2010 Audacious is a rich, voluptuously textured effort that’s loaded with fruit, chocolate, big minerality and toasted spice as well a full-bodied richness and a surprisingly approachable, silky palate. Showing more and more Grenache character as it sat in the glass, this beautifully made blend has juicy acidity, sweet tannin and should drink nicely for 4-5 years, possibly longer. Drink now-2018.
VM 90 (11/2012): Inky ruby. Highly aromatic scents of blackberry, cherry-cola, pipe tobacco and potpourri. Supple, gently sweet and seamless, offering dark berry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied rose. Closes on a floral note, with strong punch and lingering spiciness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2010 |
Beguiling Red Wine |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (8/2013): A blend of 94% Grenache and 6% Syrah, the 2010 Beguiling offers up beautiful Grenache typicity with loads of strawberry, black raspberry, licorice, spice and underbrush aromas all emerging from the glass. A rich, medium to full-bodied effort that has notable purity, great texture and no shortage of length on the finish, it’s incredibly impressive and should have a solid 7-8 years of overall longevity. Drink now-2018.
VM 91 (11/2012): Opaque ruby. Bright, mineral-laced aromas of red berry preserves, rose and star anise. Fully ripe but elegant too, displaying excellent clarity to its seamless raspberry and cherry flavors. Takes a turn toward darker fruits with air while maintaining its finesse, finishing with very good energy, mounting sweetness and gentle tannic bite. Winemaker Scott Hawley told me that this wine weighs in at 16.4% alcohol but because the vines are planted at "super-high altitude" there will always be buffering acidity to keep things in check. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2010 |
Intrepid Red Wine |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2013): Even better and one prodigious Syrah, the 2010 Intrepid (100% Syrah) dishes out smoking notes of dark crushed berries, spring flower, coffee bean, edgy minerality and hints of chocolate that flow to a full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional wine that carries its richness and depth effortlessly. Serious stuff, it is a classic Paso Robles Syrah that should not be missed! |
|
|
2010 |
Sagacious Red Wine |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2013): Comprised of 44% Grenache, 42% Syrah and 14% Mourvedre that was aged in 500-Liter demi-muids, the 2010 Sagacious is gorgeous. Exhibiting notions of blackberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with licorice, ground herbs and serious dusty soil and mineral, it is full-bodied, seamless and carries its layers of fruit beautifully with no weight. Already delicious, enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years.
VM 90 (11/2012): Glass-staining ruby. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark fruits, violet and pipe tobacco, with a smoky overtone. Lush and expansive but lively too, offering sweet blackberry and cassis flavors that pick up a tangy quality with air. Silky tannins add shape to the long, spicy, slightly warm finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Mackay |
2010 |
Duck Press Red Malbec |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Montgomery Vineyard |
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2010 |
Coeur de Vallee Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee is laced with freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and mint. Weightless and crystalline, the 2010 is pure silk and finesse. The Coeur de Vallee is always the most elegant of Morlet’s Cabernets, and the 2010 plays true to type. Sweet floral notes add lift on the finish. The 2010 is gorgeous today, but it needs a few years in bottle to blossom fully. This is yet another tremendous wine from Luc and Jodie Morlet. The 2010 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.
VM 94+ (6/2013): (blended with 24% cabernet franc): Bright medium ruby. Lovely violet lift to the intense aromas of cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate, complicated by sexy mocha and earth tones; a real essence of Oakville. Wonderfully plush and sweet in the mouth, with captivating minty lift to the pliant dark raspberry and spice flavors. Finishes very long, with noble, rising tannins that coat the teeth. An Outstanding and very suave wine in the making: I love the cabernet franc element here. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2024): The most elegant and poised rendition of this wine in the modern era, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has aged gracefully thus far. The nose shows a pretty and floral side of Cabernet, melded with a smoky, smoldering undertone of complexity. Pleasant, understated tannins meld beautifully with a soft, precise and lively acidity. This wine can easily be overlooked in a lineup of showstopper vintages but offers a refreshing counterpoint that emphasizes the versatility of Mount Eden.
VM 94 (7/2014): Often the most overlooked wine in the Mount Eden range, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon shows the pedigree of this great vintage. Firm veins of tannin support a core of black fruit, tar, grilled herbs, smoke and incense in a wild, savory mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles with its exceptional overall balance and personality. This is another fabulous new release from Mount Eden. (Drink between 2016-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2010 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain covers every inch of the palate with layers of deep, rich, dark fruit. Blueberries, blackberries, violet and cloves seem to pop right out of the glass in this juicy, extroverted wine. Deceptively approachable, the 2010 has plenty of tannin lurking beneath its massive fruit. I would not be surprised if the 2010 shuts down in bottle. It is one of the deepest, inkiest 2010s I tasted from Howell Mountain. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030.
VM 91 (6/2013): Good bright ruby-red. Black cherry, tobacco, chocolate mint and eucalyptus on the rather oaky nose, plus a pungent note of creosote. Then nicely ripe and juicy in the mouth, with surprising sweetness and attractive floral lift to the slightly medicinal redcurrant, licorice and mint flavors. Ultimately more red fruit than black in character. Finishes with broad, fine-grained tannins and good verve. I was initially put off by the strident nose but the wine calmed down markedly in the glass. |
|
|
2010 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 97+ (12/2012): Dark red cherries, iron, crushed rocks, flowers and mint are all layered into the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder. Layers of bright underlying minerality and acidity give the 2010 much of its energy and sheer thrust. This is another exceptional wine, but readers will have to be patient. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030.
VM 90+ (5/2013): (nearly 100% cabernet sauvignon; this has a significantly higher pH than the Howell Mountain release: 3.79 vs. 3.61): Good bright medium ruby. Black cherry, licorice, mint and a whiff of crushed stone on the nose. Distinct purple fruit and bitter chocolate flavors are accented by a slightly raw black pepper quality. Very backward and tannic on the tight, slightly dusty finish. A bit brutal and hairy-chested. This fruit was harvested between October 22 and November 4. One hopes that the sweetness of fruit and oak I saw in this wine a year ago will come back with some bottle age. |
|
| Old Shore Vineyards |
2010 |
Tree Line Lake Michigan Shore Pinot Noir |
$20 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2010 |
Merlot |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2012): A firm core of tannins provides the underlying structure for the 2010 Merlot. This juicy, dark, yet wonderfully sophisticated and polished wine impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony. The 2010 is impossibly young now, and it needs time, but is hugely promising. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the long, voluptuous finish. The blend is 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
VM 92 (11/2013): The 2010 Merlot is rich, round and seductive for the year. Dark red berries, flowers, sweet spices and menthol all flesh out in a seductive, expressive wine loaded with class. Mocha, licorice and dark raspberries all flesh out on the inviting, textured finish. There is a lot to like in this generous, expressive Merlot. The 2010 is mostly estate Merlot, with 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2010 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Peacock Family |
2010 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Peirson Meyer |
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Signed Bottle |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2013): Like its sibling, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color as well as enticing floral notes intermixed with black currants, licorice and forest floor. With supple tannins, a rich, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and an impressive sense of purity as well as symmetry, this 2010 should drink nicely for 15-20 years. |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2010 |
Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch Vineyard’s attractive black currant and black cherry-scented nose leads to dark plum, spicy, lush, opulent flavors. This 2010 reveals a broad spectrum of spices, but the black, blue and red fruits are endearing, intense and persistent. This impressive, voluptuously textured, expansive, full-bodied wine’s low acidity and ripe tannin suggest it will drink well over the next 10-12 years.
VM 90+ (5/2013): Good full ruby-red, more saturated than the Napa Valley cabernet. High-toned aromas of cassis, licorice, spices, bitter chocolate and nutty oak. Richer and deeper than the Napa Valley version, with creamier flavors of black cherry, licorice and minerals lifted by a floral quality. Still a touch of finishing greenness to be absorbed but there's very good material to support a positive evolution in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ramey |
2010 |
Pedregal Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2013): As usual, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard is a fabulous effort. The debut vintage of this cuvee was 2004, which is still quite young (I recently rated it 95). From the Oakville appellation, it is aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels, but sadly, only about 260 cases are made. The 2010 boasts beautiful notes of fruitcake, espresso roast, chocolate and black currants in its complex, full-bodied, concentrated, multi-dimensional personality. There is a huge up-side to this beauty as the tannins have not yet fully resolved. Give it another few years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades or more.
VM 93 (5/2014): (includes 15% petit verdot; 100% new oak): Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruit aromas show an exotic peaty quality and suggestions of incense, violet and Indian spices. Deeply pitched cassis and blueberry flavors are braced by juicy acidity and pick up a suave floral pastille nuance with aeration. The spice and blue fruit notes dominate the finish, which is firmed by youthful but harmonious tannins. While I have no doubt that this wine is built to age it's pretty showy already.
WS 92 (11/2013): Bold and expressive, featuring loads of deep flavors, with a fine measure of restraint and balance. The core flavors are keyed into dried dark and red berry, cedary oak, crushed rock and loamy earth, ending on the dry side. Best from 2014 through 2024. 260 cases made. |
|
| Realm |
2010 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Farella Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 91 (6/2013): Elegant, with a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins, offering a deep, rich mix of currant, tobacco, loamy earth and cedar flavors that fan out nicely on the finish, with a good tannic grip. Drink now through 2022. 315 cases made. |
|
| Rhys |
2010 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (8/2012): A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard boasts stunning richness, depth and power. Juicy dark berries, wild flowers, licorice, tar, smoke and game emerge from the glass. The balance of aromatics, fruit and structure is simply fabulous. Fans of the Rhys wines will flip over the Family Farm in 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (1/2013): (San Mateo County, 12.7%.) There is substantial wood showing and the dark berry fruit and violet aromas are almost overwhelmed. The wood is also present on the delicious, round and solidly well-concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess good punch and a seductive mouth feel, all wrapped in a persistent finish where the wood rounds off and slightly sweetens it. There is very good material here and thus it's entirely possible that the wood will be successfully integrated in time but at the moment it is too much for my preference. Drink 2017+.
WS 88 (8/2013): Offers a distinctive loamy earth and crushed rock base, with dried berry, herb and savory notes. Well-proportioned and sure to improve, ending with a juicy texture. Best from 2014 through 2022. |
|
|
2010 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (8/2012): A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard boasts stunning richness, depth and power. Juicy dark berries, wild flowers, licorice, tar, smoke and game emerge from the glass. The balance of aromatics, fruit and structure is simply fabulous. Fans of the Rhys wines will flip over the Family Farm in 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (1/2013): (San Mateo County, 12.7%.) There is substantial wood showing and the dark berry fruit and violet aromas are almost overwhelmed. The wood is also present on the delicious, round and solidly well-concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess good punch and a seductive mouth feel, all wrapped in a persistent finish where the wood rounds off and slightly sweetens it. There is very good material here and thus it's entirely possible that the wood will be successfully integrated in time but at the moment it is too much for my preference. Drink 2017+.
WS 88 (8/2013): Offers a distinctive loamy earth and crushed rock base, with dried berry, herb and savory notes. Well-proportioned and sure to improve, ending with a juicy texture. Best from 2014 through 2022. |
|
| J. Rochioli Vineyards |
2010 |
Sweetwater Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (2/2012): The 2010 Pinot Noir Sweetwater is a large-scaled, dramatic wine. It boasts huge black fruit and notable intensity from start to finish. Sweet, perfumed aromatics develop in the glass, but the Sweetwater remains tannic and in need of at least another 1-2 years in bottle. The wine literally sizzles on the palate with energy, and my impression is it will be magnificent with time. The clones in this parcel are Dijon, 777 and Rochioli. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020.
VM 92 (5/2012): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and blood orange are complemented by subtle cola and anise accents. Shows deep, sappy red fruit and floral character on the palate, with high-pitched spice and rose notes adding energy. Closes spicy and very long, with resonating white pepper and star anise qualities.
WS 91 (9/2012): Offers a savory, herbal underbrush side to the ripe plum and wild berry flavors, firming midpalate and ending with tighter tannins. Drink now through 2022. 351 cases made. |
|
| Rotie Cellars |
2010 |
Homage |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Round Pond |
2010 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2013): Cool, soil-driven aromas and flavors of blue fruits, licorice and underbrush struck me as quite claret-like. At once glyceral and fresh, offering lovely depth and sweetness in the middle, with bright tannins giving the wine more obvious focus than the 2009 release. Shows a distinct ferrous quality. Finishes with building ripe tannins. This should age very well. In comparison to the 2009s, the estate's 2010 cabernets are more acid- than tannin-driven, according to winemaker Brown. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2010 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2013): More refined and elegant, with classic Cabernet Sauvignon on the nose and palate, the 2010 Dead Horse is made from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot. Seeing 21 months in 78% new French oak, it has integrated its oak elevage brilliantly and delivers black currant, tobacco, pencil shavings, violet and wild herb qualities that flow to a full-bodied, concentrated and seamlessly textured 2010 that has juicy acidity, excellent mid-palate concentration and masses of finely polished tannin on the finish. Give it 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+ years or more. Drink 2016-2030. |
|
|
2010 |
Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2013): A bigger, more structured and slightly more rustic wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lonely Heart (89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot) offers up decadently styled notions of black currants, spice box, graphite, coffee grinds and dusty minerality on the nose. This flows to a full-bodied, chewy, tannic and mouth-filling Cabernet that needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will have 15 years or more of longevity. While I like the texture and overall elegance of the Dead Horse more, there’s no denying the overall quality here and it will dish out loads of pleasure once the tannins integrate. Drink 2016-2028. |
|
|
2010 |
Long Haul Red Wine |
$51 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2013): The 2010 Long Haul is a blend of 61% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot that comes from the top notch vineyard sources of Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Red Willow and Force Majeure. Aged in 73% new French oak, it possesses a big, voluptuous bouquet of plum sauce, spice box, violets, wild herbs and chocolate to go with a full-bodied, supple and downright delicious profile on the palate. Already delicious and hard to resist, it should nevertheless have 7-8 years of longevity. Drink now-2018. |
|
|
2010 |
Lost Soul Syrah |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2013): Starting off the reds and coming all from the Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley, the 2010 Syrah Lost Soul was harvested in mid-October and spent 20 months in 33% new Burgundy barrels. Inky colored, it offers up an elegant, yet meaty profile with notions of black raspberry extract, wood smoke, pepper, lavender and dark chocolate all emerging from the glass. Gaining additional freshness over the evening, with a sappy, spring flower-like quality adding lift, this full-bodied, serious Syrah has a stacked mid-palate, a layered, seamless texture and serious minerality that comes through on the finish. More than a little impressive, it should be given 2-3 years of bottle age and then followed over the coming decade. Drink 2015-2022. |
|
| Scarecrow |
2010 |
M. Etain Cohn Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2012): A wine that captures the essence of the vintage, Scarecrow's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon M. Etain literally bursts from the glass with vivid, beautifully articulated fruit. Black cherries, raspberry jam, plums, espresso, menthol and rosemary are just some of the many nuances that take shape in the glass. The 2010 is rich, full-bodied and beautifully layered from start to finish. Another year or two in bottle should help the firm 2010 tannins soften a touch. The 2010 includes 5% Petit Verdot in the final blend. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
VM 91 (6/2013): Bright medium ruby. Classic Rutherford cabernet aromas and flavors of currant, chocolate, mocha and fresh herbs, plus complex soil nuances and a note of graphite minerality. Sweet, succulent and quite approachable, with a minty note perking up the middle palate. Nicely dense wine with a firm spine of slightly dusty tannins. An excellent second wine and a very nice introduction to these extraordinary vineyards at a comparatively gentle price. |
|
| Sebastiani |
2010 |
Cherry Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Seven Stones |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (12/2012): Aaron Pott crafts these beautiful wines at Seven Stones, a tiny estate perched atop St. Helena on property that once belonged to Bill Harlan when the Meadowood resort was originally developed. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking in its beauty. A warm, resonant bouquet redolent of espresso, mocha, French oak, sweet herbs and tobacco leads to an expressive core of fruit in this rich, sumptuous wine. Full-bodied, rich and intense, yet supported by veins of incisive minerality, the 2010 impresses for its exceptional balance. The combination of finesse and overall harmony is nothing short of compelling. The estate's Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the most distinctive wines in Napa Valley. I can hardly wait to see how the 2010 develops in bottle over the coming years. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.
WS 92 (11/2013): Plump, rich and fleshy, featuring a ripe edge of plum jam, with touches of cherry, anise, cedar and loamy earth woven in. Gains depth and plushness on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 322 cases made. |
|
| Somnium Cellars |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Soos Creek |
2010 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Spottswoode |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2013): The brilliant 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an inky/purple color as well as glorious aromas of spring flowers, lead pencil shavings, licorice and a multitude of wild mountain fruits, in particular black raspberry, blackberry and cassis reminiscent of a French Pauillac (although I always think of Spottswoode as the Chateau Margaux of Napa). With a flawless integration of tannin, wood and acidity, it comes across like a liquid version of haute couture from the house of Chanel. It should drink well young yet age for 25 years.
WS 93 (10/2013): Notably rich and generous, with a complex array of dark berry, currant and cassis flavors, delivering subtle herb, spice and cedar notes and ending with a dash of loamy earth. Most impressive on the finish, which sails on and on. Best from 2014 through 2024. 2,586 cases made.
VM 96+ (11/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is drop-dead gorgeous. Over the last 12 months the 2010 has fleshed out beautifully. Today, the 2010 is rich, full-bodied and intense. The structure is that of a cold vintage, but the fruit and density are those of a year marked by three heat spikes. I imagine the 2010 will enjoy a long drinking window, starting in another few years, even if today the fruit is really popping. The 2010 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This is a dazzling wine from Spottswoode. |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2010 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
| JS 91 (5/2016): Fresh herb and berry character to this with some chocolate. Medium to full body. Bright finish. Drink now. |
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| Stags' Leap Winery |
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
1 |
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| WA 87 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Malbec) exhibits elegant black raspberry, mulberry and chocolate aromas, a lush, nicely crafted, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, excellent purity, and plenty of berry fruit and wood spice characteristics. It should drink well for 15 or more years. |
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2010 |
Napa Valley Petite Sirah |
$30 |
2 |
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| WA 90+ (10/2013): The 2010 Petite Sirah Napa, a blend of 77% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, 6% Grenache and the rest Carignan, Mourvedre and Viognier, is widely available as there are nearly 20,000 cases. This beautiful effort exhibits notes of raspberries, black cherry liqueur, crushed rocks, blueberries and other black fruits. At this stage it is still very much a fruit bomb, but I think the inclusion of the other varietals has toned it down and made it more approachable than a 100% Petite Sirah would be. This is a fascinating, pure, impressive wine to enjoy over the next two to three decades. |
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2010 |
Winemaker’s Muse Napa Valley Syrah |
$30 |
1 |
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| Stone the Crows |
2010 |
Three Twins Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
3 |
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| VM 91 (5/2013): (from vines planted in 2005 on volcanic soil in Conn Valley upslope from Anderson Conn Valley): Bright medium ruby. Very dark aromas of blackberry, purple flowers and minerals, plus a whiff of tobacco; hints at almost syrupy ripeness but shows good lift too. A seamless, fine-grained fruit bomb in the mouth, but with a restrained sweetness to its dark berry flavors. Finishes with substantial but very fine tannins. Winemaker Thomas Brown wants to see a bit more tannic grip, but the quality of the fruit here suggests that this will be a project to watch as the vines mature. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Orin Swift |
2010 |
The Abstract Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
1 |
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| Switchback Ridge |
2010 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$139 |
1 |
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VM 91+ (6/2013): Good bright, dark red. High-toned aromas of crushed cassis, cocoa powder and licorice. Silky and elegant on the palate, with ripe, intense flavors of cassis, coffee bean and minerals underpinned by strong acidity. Lovely mid-palate lift here. Finishes with notes of licorice and fennel and serious tannic clout. From a blend of two blocks: mostly clone 7, which gives the wine its black fruit element and muscle, and some 337, which contributes bright acidity and more aromatic red fruits.
WS 91 (11/2013): Deftly balanced, with an enticing mix of light, mocha-laced oak and a core of dark berry. Supple-textured, featuring notes of dusty earth, cedar and crushed rock, this ends with a long, sustained finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,096 cases made. |
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2010 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Merlot (1.5 L) |
$65 |
1 |
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| WS 90 (11/2013): Offers a dense core of minerally tannins, framed by rich black currant fruit and marked with accents of grilled herb, olive and spice. Hands off for now. Best from 2015 through 2020. 896 cases made. |
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| Tenor Wines |
2010 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
13 |
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WA 94+ (6/2014): Looking at the top, Cabernet Sauvignon dominated release, the 2010 1:1 Columbia Valley incorporates slightly more Merlot than normal and checks in as 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. It offers fabulous purity in its cassis, licorice, toasted spice, graphite and lead pencil shaving like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, tight, focused and elegant, with integrated acidity and building tannin that comes through with additional time in the glass, this rock star Bordeaux blend will have upwards of two decades of longevity.
VM 90+ (11/2013): Bright, saturated ruby-red. Reticent aromas of cassis, black raspberry, spicecake, graphite, violet and bitter chocolate, plus a distinct herbal complexity. Offers a lovely restrained sweetness to its sappy flavors of raspberry, cherry, currant and spices. Good texture and extract here, as well as exotic spice and wild herb notes to provide mid-palate lift. With its serious dusty tannins and brisk acidity, this promising but youthfully bound-up wine needs time to unwind. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2010 |
Tenor Syrah |
$30 |
2 |
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WA 94 (6/2013): An impressive, pedal-to-the-metal effort that stays balanced and fresh, the 2010 Syrah, aged 19 months in 100% new French oak puncheons (larger, 500-liter barrels), offers up a savory, complex array of creme de cassis, salted beef, licorice, pepper and chocolate as well as a full-bodied, beautifully pure and thrillingly textured mouthfeel. Showing more and more purity and Syrah typicity with air, this fantastic effort can be enjoyed now, but will be even better in 2-3 years. A 10-12 year drink window isn’t out of the question. Impressive!
VM 89 (11/2013): Medium-deep ruby. Sexy perfume of blackberry, minerals, meat and licorice. Dens, savory and a bit youthfully aggressive, with a slight youthful bitterness to the cassis and licorice flavors. Can't quite match the Bordeaux blends here for class or depth. My enthusiasm--as well as the wine's fruit--was muted a bit by the high alcohol. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Terlato Vineyards |
2010 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$228.65 |
1 |
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WS 90 (4/2014): Dense and powerful, rustic and tannic, offering a core of dark berry, mocha, cedar and tobacco, marked by chewy, grainy tannins that give the flavors traction. Needs time. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2015 through 2028. 1,000 cases made.
WA 88 (10/2013): The 2010 Proprietary Red Episode (44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot) is a more Pomerol-styled effort displaying a deep ruby color, lots of mocha and black cherry notes, soft tannins and a round, hedonistic appeal. This elegant, pure 2010 is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. |
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| Sean Thackrey |
2010 |
Sirius Eagle Point Ranch Petite Sirah (1.5 L) |
$165 |
5 |
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| VM 92+ (5/2014): Deep, bright ruby. Lovely expressive aromas of black raspberry, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. Concentrated, dense and sweet, with excellent inner-mouth energy and lift to the flavors of dark berries, dark chocolate and flint. Perhaps most impressive today on the very long, ripely tannic back end. Long on personality for the variety. Showed eucalyptus and licorice pastille notes after 72 hours in the recorked bottle without losing its verve. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Trinchero |
2010 |
Central Park West Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
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2010 |
Cloud’s Nest Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
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| Venge |
2010 |
Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
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| WA 96 (10/2013): There are 350 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve which boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as beautiful aromas of cassis, red and black fruits, high-toned spicy oak, a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts 45-50 seconds. This fabulous, All American Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from a first-growth site will offer glorious drinking over the next 20-25 years. I am glad to see the Venges building sweeter tannins into their wines so they have accessibility in their youth and adolescence. |
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| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2010 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
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WA 94 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a little closed to begin, opening out to expressive wild blueberry, black cherry and black raspberry notes with touches of menthol, baker’s chocolate, underbrush and mossy bark plus a touch of truffles. The palate is full, firm and chewy with a lively backbone and plenty of muscular fruit, finishing earthy.
VM 92 (5/2020): Saturated deep ruby! Brooding, medicinal aromas of crushed mountain blackberry, sage, tar, licorice and bitter chocolate. Dense, deep and chocolatey on entry, conveying an almost port-like ripeness and a lack of restraint to its powerful mountain berry and black pepper flavors. Powerful but still a bit musclebound, and in need of further cellaring. This pungent, hugely tannic wine should become more civilized with a few more years of cellaring. Right now, it's no-holds-barred, and quite tannic. In fact, it's hard to believe that it's almost ten years old, as it tastes like a barrel sample. Classic mountain wine, but fans of more delicate Cabernets may find it a bit overbearing. A second bottle was a bit more pliant in the middle palate, showing a stronger licorice element, and of equal quality It, too, was quite tannic, but seemed a bit sweeter--and closer to maturity. (Drink between 2023-2038). Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Andrew Will |
2010 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
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WA 94 (6/2013): Similarly colored, yet a step up in richness and depth, and certainly not aromatically challenged, the 2010 Champoux Vineyard is a superb blend of 42% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 21 months in barrel, it possesses gorgeous aromas of black raspberry, creme de cassis, dried flowers, spice box and a dusty pebble minerality on the nose. Medium-bodied, elegant and beautifully balanced, with fresh acidity and moderate tannin, it has upside and should round into form with another 2-3 years of bottle age and have over a decade or more of total longevity. Drink 2015-2022.
VM 93+ (11/2013): (42% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 26% cabernet sauvignon): Good full, dark red. Exhilarating aromas of blackberry, cocoa powder and rose petal. Suave, silky and seamless, with ripe acidity and an element of medicinal reserve energizing the savory flavors of dark berries and lead pencil. Really wonderful flavor intensity here. The very long, sappy, slowly building finish and well-buffered tannins suggest that this wine will enjoy a long and graceful evolution in the bottle.
WS 93 (9/2013): The firm tannins wrap around expressive black currant, blueberry and plum fruit, with a hint of coffee emerging on the long, persistent finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2015 through 2020. 692 cases made. |
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2010 |
Sorella Champoux Vyd. |
$75 |
2 |
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VM 94+ (11/2013): Deep, dark bright ruby. Pungent aromas and flavors of black raspberry, blueberry, licorice and lavender are accented by a minty high note. Sweet, dense and inviting; at once seriously structured and light on its feet. This very intense, youthful wine finishes very long, with harmonious acidity, noble broad tannins and a savory saline complexity. From a crop level under three tons per acre, according to Chris Camarda, and it shows. Another beauty for the cellar. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94 (6/2013): The top wine of the estate, the 2010 Sorella (meaning “sister” in Italian and made to honor Chris’ sister) is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc that spent the standard 21 months in barrel. Loaded with promise, it has a decidedly pure, classy and detailed bouquet of black currant, graphite, licorice, roasted meats and singed herbs. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it still holds onto the overall elegance and finesse driven style of the estate and delivers a seamless texture, chewy tannin and serious minerality on the finish. As with Chris’ other 2010s, short-term cellaring is warranted here and upwards of two decades of longevity should be expected. Drink 2015-2030. |
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| Wolf Family Vineyards |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
3 |
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