2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting the three most recent vintages of the Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon was not only a privilege, but also an intellectual and hedonistic turn-on. The 2010 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a magnificent wine. Full-bodied and opulent with terrific purity, an intriguing, gravelly, wet stone-like minerality, and a sensational perfume, it has a spectacular finish that lasted over 45 seconds, offering up copious quantities of black currants, black cherries, cedar and vanillin. It is one of the superstars of the vintage. It is accessible now because of the sweetness of the tannins, but make no mistake, there is plenty of structure underlying the luxurious fruit levels. It should drink well for 30+ years. <br /> <br />

(14.9% alcohol; from vines picked in October "before and after the rain," according to winemaker Celia Welch): Bright ruby. Deep, brooding, fully ripe aromas of cassis, cocoa powder, licorice, peppery herbs and Rutherford dust. Silky, suave and deep; builds inexorably to saturate the entire palate with dark berry, dark chocolate and mocha flavors. Finishes very long and seriously structured, with noble chocolatey tannins calling for patience. This potentially long-lived wine may well merit an even higher score with a decade or so in the bottle.

Vivid aromas and flavors literally jump from the glass in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the hallmarks of this great, historic site come through in the glass. Firm yet polished tannins support a core of expressive dark fruit, but ultimately it is the wine's textural finesse and polish that stand out most. The 2010 is all about delineation, balance and harmony. It is a terrific effort from the entire team at Scarecrow.