2010 Ad Vivum Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
A strong effort from a Yountville vineyard known as the Sleeping Lady, the well-made, medium to full-bodied 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, mulberries and dark cherries. With sweet tannin, subtle wood and foresty undertones, this attractive, complex, Bordeaux-styled Cabernet should drink well for 15-20 years. Tel. (707) 963-1535
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with juicy red berries, flowers, spices and new leather. Round and totally expressive, the 2010 boasts gorgeous richness and depth. Even though the firm 2010 tannins are present, this is one of the juicier, flashier wines of the year. As such, it should drink well with minimum cellaring. The 2010 spent 19 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, and was bottled with no fining or filtration.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is the most complete of the three vintages I tasted from Chris Phelps. Dark red cherries, flowers, mocha and spices are nicely layered in this fragrant, delineated Cabernet Sauvignon.
About the producer
Ad Vivum is a tiny Napa project from winemaker Chris Phelps, previously of Dominus and Caymus. Created in 2007, Phelps makes one wine, exclusively from two blocks in the Sleeping Lady vineyard, the southernmost site in Yountville.