A fine Cabernet, quite possibly the epitome of Oakville. This saw a double decant, and sat all day in the cellar awaiting tonight’s finale. I’m suffering a bit of palate fatigue, but this was still quite a treat to end the evening. This is super concentrated, with dense tannin that demands years of cellar time or many hours in the decanter. Black fruits dominate, with plenty of earthy mineral and char. This is so tightly wound though that patience will improve it. It’s a very pure wine, with no obvious oak or manipulation. I’ll hold my remaining bottles, but wanted to get a bearing on this as this is an early offer in the new year. I’m a buyer next year, and looking forward to following the evolution of this project.
Justin/Nick - curious if either of you have tried the Rivers Marrie Corona? I think the vineyards are in the same neighborhood. The first couple of hours, I considered dropping VHR in lieu of the Corona. I really found that significant a comparison. But as time went on, the VHR took on a special dimension I haven’t seen in the RM yet. I’ll follow both for a while, and looking forward to seeing how each of these are at about 8-10 years from vintage.
Just popped one of these and I am speechless. 40 mins after last sip, and I don’t want to cleanse my palate with anything other than another bottle of this.
2010 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Hill Ranch- USA, California, Napa Valley (12/15/2013)
Believe the hype. I finally decided to pull the cork on one of these. For those of you that bought this vintage of VHR, you did very well. Agree with previous note that this is a revelatory wine. As i’m typing this, the last sip from the bottle is still on my palate and still giving off all types of interesting notes. I know I tend to rate wines higher than most, but for my palate I am being conservative with a 98.
Enjoyed with Filets, whipped potatoes, edamame, sambuca infused asparagus & a port wine and short rib reduction.
The aromatics are spectacular, and bring me to the realization that whatever Francois is doing with these grapes is nothing short of a wine miracle. The tannins, while present ar enot as firm as I would have thought. They are just so sweet and lend themselves to the creature that is this wine.
If you have a 3 pack or perhaps more, please do yourself a favor. Grab some friends, some meat and splash decant. This is nowhere near ready but the balance of this wine is something to behold right now.
This is one of the top 5 wines I’ve ever had. The only thing I can relate it to is an aged Montrose I had that is well integrated. Just weaving and winding on my palate and I want more. When fruit is neverending and multidimensional, I’m a happy camper.
Drink one now. Otherwise, wait 10 years. But seriously, life’s too short not to drink great wine. (98 pts.)