2010 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
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Tasting notes
(includes 12% merlot, 6% malbec, 2% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc; 70% new French oak): Inky ruby. Expressive, oak-spiced cassis, cherry and floral pastille aromas are lifted by a suave mineral quality and a hint of cracked pepper. Fleshy and seamless in texture, offering sweet dark fruit flavors and suggestions of mocha and chewing tobacco. Finishes smoky and long, with youthfully chewy tannins adding shape and grip.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Presented by Jesse Katz. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc planted on volcanic hillside slopes at the southern tip of the Alexander Valley. Heat s pike in August required many passes through the vineyard to eliminate damaged fruit. Ambient yeast and malo in barrel. 19 months in French oak, 70% new. Attractively leafy nose and just a touch leafy on the palate too, increasing the freshness. Tannins are still quite chewy and there's plenty of spice on the finish but the freshness and length are impressive. (JH)
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is much more polished than the 2009 tasted alongside it. Asphalt, smoke, tobacco, licorice and tar all flow as this sumptuous Cabernet shows off its sexy, undeniably appealing personality. Hints of mocha and espresso add a resonant warmth that is hugely attractive. The tannins are firm but seamlessly balanced. There is a lot to like in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, starting with the wine's sheer class.