2010 Morlet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(15.2% alcohol; from a St. Helena vineyard just south of Grace; Morlet will be transitioning from 4 x 6 vine spacing to a relatively tight 3-1/2 x 4 and plans to farm the steeper hillside portion with a horse): Good deep ruby. Currant, graphite, coffee and violet on the nose. Suave, fine-grained and pretty, showing lovely floral lift to the densely packed flavors of dark berries and bitter chocolate. In a rather feminine style in its light touch and elegance (these are young vines) but with a brisk suggestion of limestone minerality and building tannins firming the long finish. The Grace clone is planted here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate is striking. Firm tannins support a core of expressive red berries, flowers and mint in this deep, powerful wine. Mocha, espresso and violets emerge over time, adding considerable complexity, power and depth. Layers of fruit flow through to the voluptuous, inviting finish, but the 2010 remains closed and not fully expressive. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow over the coming years, and it should be thrilling once it comes together a bit more in bottle. Today, the 2010 is notably more impressive than it was when I tasted it from barrel last year.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Morlet Estate is striking. Firm tannins support a core of expressive red berries, flowers and mint in this deep, powerful wine. Mocha, espresso and violets emerge over time, adding considerable complexity, power and depth. Layers of fruit flow through to the voluptuous, inviting finish, but the 2010 remains closed and not fully expressive. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow over the coming years, and it should be thrilling once it comes together a bit more in bottle. Today, the 2010 is notably more impressive than it was when I tasted it from barrel last year. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. Luc and Jodie Morlet’s 2010s are off the charts. The 2010s have huge structure, but the fruit is so ripe and voluptuous in these wines that the perception of tannin is often imperceptible. The 2009s, on the other hand, are made from grapes that weren’t as physiologically ripe, so the tannins remain firm and in need of time in bottle to soften. As good as the Morlet range is, the most exciting wine appears to be the Morlet Estate, from a vineyard in St. Helena the Morlets purchased a few years ago. Tel. (707) 967-8690; www.morletwines.com
(from the Grace clone planted densely on volcanic ash soil in the foothills above Highway 29 north of St. Helena): Deep ruby to the rim. Black cherry and a floral element on the nose. Suave, smooth and refined; not yet as delineated or complex as Morlet's original three cabernet cuvees but lush and ripe. In a graceful style, finishing with building tannins.