2010 Père de Famille

A wine of unexpected dimension and pleasure, similar in fruit expression to some of the respected hillside Napa versions of Cabernet, where their altitude plays the cooling influence of our overall cooler season. A densely saturated vibrant black/red color leads to a nose of pure black currants, at once inky yet penetrating. Studded with notes of dried thyme, anise, and pipe tobacco, the aroma emerges as pure Cabernet. The entry is plump, supple, and refined, enriched by blending with small amounts of Petite Verdot and Merlot. My consistent notes across months of tasting state, “…perfect balance”, where Cabernet’s power is matched by finesse and fruit. The palate is full and round, and not dumbed down by heavy over-ripeness: it maintains its Columbia Valley cut and precision. And there’s no doubt about this wine’s ageability; the balance of fruit and chemistry is right to take this many years in the cellar. Robert Parker: 95 Tanzer: 94+ (10% Case discount, 12 x 750ml per case)