2012 Morlet Family Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee
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Tasting notes
Morlet's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee boasts complex, mossy notes alongside black cherries and loam-like earth scents on the nose. A classic 75–25 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it's full-bodied but wonderfully supple and easy to drink, fresh, long and still somewhat tannic, with many years ahead of it. "Many thought it was too easy of a vintage and soft," said Morlet. "The problem with '12 was overabundance. For those who dropped fruit, it's a great vintage."
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Intense, powerful, black truffle, cocoa shavings, espresso, intense and enticiting, this has complexity and approachability. The first vintage made in their cellars up in Rutherford (still with grapes from Beckerstoffer To Kalon). 85% new oak, native yeast fermentation, bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Morlet's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee emerges from blocks in Beckstoffer To Kalon. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, smoke, licorice and torrefaction notes are fused together in a super-ripe, voluptuous wine that shows the more virile side of To Kalon. Rich, unctuous and bold, the 2012 delivers considerable nuance for such an unapologetically sumptuous, hedonistic Cabernet.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc from Andy Beckstoffer's To Kalon Vineyard. Still youthful and potent, the 2012 possesses notable depth and more overt tannin than the other 2012s at Morlet. Bright, red-toned fruit, mocha, crushed rocks and flowers are some of the notes that gradually open. The Franc is quite evident in this tasting. I am not surprised Morlet now bottles the Franc separately, as it does seem to have a pretty assertive personality