98-99 Point Wines

wines

Bright full ruby. Very dark nose combines black fruits, violet, graphite and river rock, plus subtle hints of molasses, tobacco and leather; less relentlessly primary than more recent vintages, but then 2010 widely produced explosive, complex, soil-driven aromas. This wine, too, shows a slightly liqueur-like quality yet seems less evolved than the Roberta’s. Stunningly silky yet penetrating too, with its dark fruit, mineral and floral flavors conveying terrific vinosity and cut. A firm tannic spine gives this savory wine terrific grip on the palate-staining back end. A distinctly European style in the context of Napa Valley, with its outstanding flavor complexity aided by alcohol below 14%. (100% new French oak).Vinous Media | 98 VMThe 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is a 275-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot. It reveals intense red and black currant fruit, good acidity, hints of camphor and graphite, superb purity, a full-bodied texture and an extremely youthful (almost like a barrel sample) freshness and focus. This is a remarkably young yet promising, full throttle, beautifully made Cabernet Sauvignon that should be cellared for 5-7 years and drunk over the following two to three decades.Robert Parker | 96 RPA classy, Bordeaux-like red from Napa, with ripe, rich fruit and tiers of currant, spice, cigar box and tobacco leaf. Well-built, showing a measure of restraint, this delivers fine-grained tannins and a long, tapered finish. Best from 2014 through 2026. 275 cases made.Wine Spectator | 93 WS

A very savory version, exuding juniper, rosemary, licorice and black cherry aromas and flavors. Fresh, intense, concentrated and spicy, with a lingering mineral underpinning. Delivers terrific balance and length.Wine Spectator | 98 WSThis is the highlight of this retrospective. The Altesino 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli shows an intriguing contrast between its salty or mineral side and its sweet, fruit-driven side. These two elements play off each other to create a balanced and lifted bouquet. Given the salty notes that reflect schistic soils, I consider this to be one of the most terroir-driven vintages in this retrospective.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPBeautiful aromas of dark fruits and minerals. Full-bodied, succulent and chewy. It’s tight and stony. Lots of black olives and wet earth under the fruit. Bright and linear wine with beautiful layers. Better in 2018.James Suckling | 97 JSThe 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli possesses gorgeous textural depth and resonance, both in the classic, mid-weight style of the year. Sweet red cherry, plum, tobacco, spice and savory herb overtones flesh out as the 2010 Montosoli shows off its distinctive personality. Finessed, silky tannins round out a finish laced with rose petal, cherry pit and pipe tobacco.Vinous Media | 95 VMThe Montosoli plot sits at 1,250 feet of elevation, and in 2010 it yielded an intensely fresh and fragrant wine. Polished tannins frame bright flavors of red cherry and pomegranate, even some guava and nectarine, spiced with notes of white pepper and lifted by lovely floral aromas. The wine feels cool and elegant, with a freshness that persisted for days after the bottle was opened.Wine & Spirits Magazine | 95 WSFrom Montalcino’s most famous vineyard site, this opens with aromas of cured meat, grilled herb and a whiff of mature olive. The palate offers red cherry, licorice, savory herb and a mineral note alongside youthfully assertive but fine-grained tannins that need time to unwind. Drink after 2018. Kerin O’Keefe | 93 KOFrom Montalcino’s most famous vineyard site, this opens with aromas of cured meat, grilled herb and a whiff of mature olive. The palate offers red cherry, licorice, savory herb and a mineral note alongside youthfully assertive but fine-grained tannins that need time to unwind. Drink after 2018.Wine Enthusiast | 93 WE