2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive, supple wine made from 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Round and easygoing, it is ideal to gulp down with a charred piece of rare beef. There are no hard edges in this 2010, and it appears capable of lasting a decade. Tel. (707) 942-5105
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A big, mouth filling wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, shows the personality of the vintage in its intense fruit. There is plenty of underlying structure in this deep, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon. Mint, flowers and sweet red berries are some of the nuances that are woven into the finish. This is far from an easygoing Napa Cabernet. Although delicious today, it should drink well for a number of years. Another year or so in bottle should help the elements come together even more fully. The 2010 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot.
Good bright red. Perfumed, rather cool aromas of cassis, menthol, fresh herbs, flowers, anise and fennel. Juicy, spicy and tight but not hard, with a pungent core of acidity and an impression of briary, earthy minerality giving the wine plenty of personality. This firmly tannic cabernet smells a bit raw in the way of a young barrel sample. "Not the sun-baked fruit of 2009," noted assistant winemaker Crafton. "It was hard to get superripeness in 2010."
About the producer
Chateau Montelena is a historic Napa Valley estate that rose to global fame after its 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Renowned for both its Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery continues to produce elegant, age-worthy wines with a legacy of excellence.