From picking fruit in Bordeaux during the 70s to producing music videos that earned him a Grammy nomination, Scott Palazzo clearly has the “midas touch”. He’s now the rock-and-roll winemaker who’s crafting world-class wines in Napa Valley. He produces three cuvees, all well-known among wine insiders, but probably not getting the notice that they merit! Thomas Keller, owner of The French Laundry, was so impressed by Palazzo’s wines that he asked Scott to create an exclusive wine to serve in all his restaurants.
Last night, I was happy to be pulling the cork on his 2010 Palazzo Wine Proprietary Red Right Bank. Predominately Merlot with a dollop of Cab Franc and Cab Sauv for good measure, this gem is just beginning to show its legs. It was dense and powerful, yet contained a silkiness that tamed its youthfulness. I shared it with a couple of close friends over a charcuterie plate; an assortment of our favorite cheeses and some wild boar salami, first time for me. Before I knew it, the bottle was empty and my friend asked me if he could buy some for his cellar, and this guy is a bigger wine snob than me! With prices for Cali Cabs and alike continuing to rise, this was a welcomed relief to the wallet, 96+ points from The Wine Advocate and only $69.95. Check out the review for yourself.
“Sensational in extraction and richness, this blend of 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon is the product of a cool year in Napa. It shows fabulous density, richness, and intensity.” - 96+ points, Robert Parker