2010 Denner Mother of Exiles
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Tasting notes
(60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% petit verdot, 5% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 80% new French oak): Opaque purple. Spicy cherry, blackcurrant, pipe tobacco, vanilla and smoky oak on the nose. Shows suave, velvety texture and intense dark fruit compote and floral pastille flavors that gain power in the glass. Finishes with supple tannins, a hint of candied lavender and excellent staying power
Critic scores
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
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The only Bordeaux blend I tried (comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Fran and 5% Merlot fermented with 10% whole cluster and aged 22 months in 80% new French oak), the 2010 Mother of Exiles gives up classic Cabernet aromas and flavors of black currants, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings and hints of chocolate on the nose. Showing thrilling purity and richness on the palate, with a big texture that stays focused, it is a superb Bordeaux blend from Paso Robles. It’s certainly a knockout drink now, yet I suspect it will have no problem evolving for 15+ years. Drink 2014-2025. This was a beautiful lineup of wines by winemaker Anthony Yount and I continue to be impressed with the wines of this estate. Located on the western edge of Paso Robles, the wines possess individual, unique characters that show not only Paso fruit, but balance and restraint. They’re highly recommended. Tel. (805) 239-4287; www.dennervineyards.com
The 2010 Mother of Exiles, a Bordeaux blend, is impeccable. Sweet plums, dark red cherries, graphite and grilled herbs are all vibrant and beautifully delineated. The 2010 shows the level of refinement Paso Robles is capable of. This isn't your typical blowsy Paso Cabernet-based red, but rather a wine built on finesse. As outstanding as the 2010 is, the Mother of Exiles is still a work in progress. Still, it clearly has the potential to be one of Paso's very best and most distinctive wines. I can't wait to taste future vintages, as the potential here is simply tremendous. In 2010, the blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot.