2010 Paumanok Cabernet Sauvignon Limted Edition Tuthills Lane

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon "Tuthills Lane Vineyard" also has 5% Merlot blended in. It was aged in 95% new French oak, the rest neutral; and comes in at 13.9% alcohol. In most places in the world, it is the Cabernet that is bigger, deeper and more powerful. On Long Island, that description usually goes to the Merlot when the two are paired. That said, this is a pretty intense wine, with a rather concentrated mid-palate, intense flavor and a fine finish. It could use a little more cellaring, but it may be surprisingly approachable, too. It continued to evolve beautifully with extended aeration. It should also hold well. Putting on my bargain hunter hat, I would have to add that the winery's 2010 Cabernet Grand Vintage, also reviewed this issue, is as good or better and not quite as pricey. Either or both may be entitled to upticks as they age, and I won't be surprised if there are differing opinions at differing points in their developments. They are differently styled, though, this being the more refined and elegant.