2010 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
Member Pricing: $200-$238
This library vintage is hitting a wonderful peak right now. The fruit is still very present, with intense dark red cherries and black currant, but more complexity has emerged with time. The nose is full of more earthy elements, freshly cut flowers, menthol, and a mix of loamy earth, as well as a beautiful mineralogy of crushed rocks. This wine definitely has years of life left, but its decidedly perfect right now.
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec
Accolades
92 Points, The Wine Advocate
“There is a level of freshness and pure vibrancy in 2010... most likely the result of the long, cool growing season. The balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin is first-class. Nothing is out of place. In short, the 2010 Estate is gorgeous.” - Robert Parker
Tasting Notes
The nose on this vintage shows intensity with a dark fruit profile of brandied cherries, blueberry syrup and ripe blackberries that are accented by tobacco leaf, cardamom and a hint of anise. As it presents, the palate burgeons in the mouth; starting compact and dense upfront, it expands fully from front to back with a finish that lingers over a minute. It boasts a plush mouth feel that is soft on entry, framed by well-structured tannins, a balanced acid profile and medium body. Flavors of espresso bean, pot de crème and frangelico give the impression of sweetness.
Vineyard Notes
In the 2010 vintage, to help counter nature’s challenging offerings, we dropped all late developing clusters and focused the efforts of the vine on the remaining fruit, sacrificing quantity for quality. A late heat spike brought the fruit to full ripeness. Individual lots from specific vineyard blocks were fermented and aged separately to allow the broadest range of flavors at blending. All lots received extended maceration with pump overs and aged 19 months in 70% new tight grain French oak.
Technical Details
- Type:
- Red
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Rutherford
- Vintage:
- 2010