1 | Wine | Page 420

"A warm ganache aroma gives way to a mouthcoating core of linzer torte, steeped blackberry and anise, all carried by smoldering black tea and graphite on the long finish, where this stays very fresh and racy, despite its weight."

"It has an intense minty nose of blackberry, smoke and grilled meats that is well-defined, but surprisingly taut considering the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with a tarry, leathery entry. The tannins are fine and linear, the finish classic in style with a dash of white pepper and tar. This is a very well-made Gran Reserva drinking beautifully now, but certainly it has the substance to keep."

"One of the very best values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Cru bursts from the glass with dark red cherries, plums and tobacco. The 2010 is totally gorgeous from start to finish. There is more than pure vibrancy and freshness to support the generous, opulent fruit in this striking, beautifully delineated Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Keith Emerson crafts the Cru bottling from a variety of vineyards across Napa Valley."

"Firm, yet well-balanced tannins support cinnamon, cloves, dark cherries and licorice. The 2010 shows excellent energy and verve, but it naturally needs time in bottle to come together. I especially like the energy and focus here."

"It is a fabulous effort from Rampolla. The 2006 D’Alceo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is a much tighter-wound wine than the Sammarco but it also seems to be holding back a lot more sheer density in reserve. Full-bodied, rich and monstrously tannic at this stage, it doesn’t taste too different than it did when I first sampled it from tank in November 2006! The wine possesses dazzling inner perfume, refined tannins that need time to emerge and exceptional overall balance."