2010 State Lane Vineyard Grand Vin Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
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).
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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 well below 14%. (13.6% alcohol; 100% new French oak)
Kapcsándy's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is truly special. Supremely polished and refined, the 2010 is absolutely gorgeous right out of the gate. The 2010 is so beautiful, it is one of the few wines I chose not to decant for this tasting, as I did not want to disturb the fruit. Tasted over several hours, the 2010 just kept getting better and better. I revisited an unfinished bottle the day after the tasting, and it was still magnificent. Perhaps a bit less focused in its aromatics, with air, the 2010 became darker and more voluptuous. Overall, the 2010 Grand Vin stands out for its precision and focus, both qualities that are rare in a vintage that generally produced much more explosive wines.
Aromas of blackberries, tar, blueberries and rosemary. Full body with fine tannins and a subtle berry and dark-chocolate character. Long finish. Refined, polished texture to this. Better in 2017.