2010 Kristine Ashe Entre Nous Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged 22 months in 80% new French oak, there are 227 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Entre Nous. It exhibits sweet berry fruit along with black currants, underbrush, lead pencil shavings, licorice and a full-bodied, opulent richness with moderate, well-integrated tannin. The blend was 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. This full-bodied Cabernet reveals a certain accessibility along with impressive ripeness, purity and overall harmony. It is approachable now and should evolve for 15 or more years. The harvest in 2010 began on September 29 and lasted through October 13, a moderately late year. In contrast, the 2011 harvest finished on October 29. This was my first tasting of these wines from a 26-acre vineyard managed by superstar viticulturist David Abreu. Kristine Ashe, a grower for ten years, finally decided to estate bottle her wines in 2007. Production remains low as Ashe is still selling some of the fruit from her holdings. Tel. (707) 982-8000