2010 Fisher Cameron

(made from a blend of 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% malbec): Inky ruby. Aromas and flavors of candied dark berries, violet, pipe tobacco and vanilla. Sappy and open-knit, showing a velvety texture and picking up an exotic Indian spice nuance with air. Closes smooth and long, with slow-building tannins and a late jolt of licorice pastille.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Cameron, a young vines bottling from Coach Insignia, is a gorgeous, accessible wine, especially within the context of the year. Juicy dark raspberries, flowers, mint, savory herbs spices and licorice all take shape in this vibrant, vinous Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a rare 2010 with considerable early appeal. Freshly cut roses and spices add lift on a finish laced with considerable energy and freshness. The 2010 is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Fisher Vineyards is very much a family affair. Fred and Juelle Fisher founded the winery in 1973 and have since been joined by their three children. Whitney Fisher handles the winemaking duties, her brother Cameron takes care of sales and their brother Rob runs the business as General Manager. The Fishers own two estates. Their Napa Valley property, located in Calistoga, is the source of the flagship Cabernets Coach Insignia and Lamb Vineyard, as well as the Cameron, a young vines bottling. The Spring Mountain estate, which is on the Sonoma side of the appellation, is the source of the Wedding Vineyard and Mountain Estate Vineyard Cabernets, as well as the Chardonnays. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted. Fisher Vineyards remains one of California’s undiscovered jewels. Tel. (707) 539-7511