2010 Roy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Good medium ruby. Aromas of dark berries, chocolate and a whiff of leather, plus some mocha and incense notes from the Taransaud barrels. Plush, moderately sweet and pliant on entry, then musky, chocolatey and a bit exotic in the middle palate, with savory dark fruit and incense flavors lifted by a floral nuance and framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes with serious but fine-grained tannins and rising length. An excellent vintage for this property, which was able to take advantage of its relatively cool location. located south of Stags Leap on the eastern side of the valley, in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. Not a thick or particularly plush wine but offers lovely inner-mouth lift. And the tannins won't get in the way of enjoying it now.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, which was picked between the end of September and October 23, is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of tar, truffles, blackberries and cassis, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a dense palate, and rich, intensely concentrated, long flavors. Consume this beauty over the next 20+ years. This estate is run by Shirley Roy, who continues to be inspired by the work her deceased husband began on their 17-acre estate tucked away in one of Napa Valley’s more secluded areas, Soda Canyon. They now have 12 blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 blocks of Merlot and 2 blocks of Petit Verdot, and the vineyard, which is in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains, continues to go from strength to strength. My favorite wine is usually their Cabernet Sauvignon. Tel. (707) 255-4409
(blended with 7% petit verdot; aged for 28 months in all-new Taransaud barrels): Full saturated ruby. Vibrant, slightly high-toned aromas of cassis, blackberry and licorice. Creamy and broad on the palate, with a fine-grained texture and good energy to the black fruit, mocha and sandalwood flavors. Compelling sweetness and depth here. Finishes with firm but suave tannins and lingering spices. This classic Napa Valley cabernet captures the potential richness of the vintage.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon presents an intriguing array of smoke, scorched earth, incense, new leather and savory herbs. Tense, full-bodied and opulent, the 2010 brings together the best qualities of this site and the vintage. The 2010 is unusually vivid, nuanced and complex for such a big wine.