Staglin Family Vineyard – Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – Rutherford – Napa Valley

The nose is powerful, straight, well-structured and offers concentration. It reveals notes of fleshy cassis, fleshy wild blackberries and slight touches of wild strawberry associated with subtle touches of violets, slight / discreet hints of spices, a hint of pepper Sichuan as well as a very discreet hint of undergrowth and cocoa (after aeration). The palate is fruity, beautifully well-balanced, elegant, mineral and offers a beautiful juiciness, a slight acid frame, a small strict / straight side as well as freshness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry, cassis and slight touches of Quetsche plum associated with a touch of wild strawberry as well as subtle touches of tobacco, Ceylon tea, minerality, violet and wood. Tannins are fine and supple. Good length. There are subtle hints of dark chocolate and liquorice on the persistence.