2009 The Vineyardist Cabernet Sauvignon

The spectacular 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months that finished at 14.8% alcohol. It displays a classic mountain profile of lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and a meaty, truffle-like character. Full-bodied and rich as well as exceptionally well-delineated with polished tannins and a savory, intense mouthfeel, this stunning debut Cabernet exudes enormous potential. The Vineyardist looks to be an impressive newcomer to the Cabernet Sauvignon scene in Napa. Readers take note. This was my first look at this interesting project on Diamond Mountain. This estate was originally founded by a Dutch-born ship builder in the late 1800s. The grapes that were first planted included Zinfandel, Carignan, Alicante Bouche, and Malvasia. Not surprisingly, the estate’s name comes from the fact that this proprietor was also a vineyardist. Prohibition did them in, and in 2000, after the estate was acquired by the current proprietor, Cabernet Sauvignon was planted at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,300 feet. Some of the top-notch names behind this property include Jim Barbour, who was responsible for the planting of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, and Mark Herold, who is responsible for the making of the wines. Herold first became well-known in this publication with his wines called Merus. Sadly, only 200-400 cases of these Cabernets are produced each year. The vintages between 2004 and 2008 were completely declassified until they were satisfied with the quality. The people ultimately responsible for what The Vineyardist has achieved are Dirk Fulton and his wife Becky Kukkola who took a decade to find this small vineyard on Diamond Mountain. www.vineyardist.com

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is the product of a very challenging harvest at The Vineyardist. The only way to achieve full ripeness during the cold 2010 season was to take yields way down, a full 50% of normal, which means less than one ton per acre of fruit. For that sacrifice, proprietors Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola were rewarded with an absolutely stunning wine that is easily one of the highlights of the year. Firm, refined and utterly impeccable, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts fabulous balance and class. Blackberry jam, mint and cassis are some of the many notes that emerge from this stunning Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 is going to be fascinating to follow over the coming years.

(the first commercial release of this wine; the 2005 through 2008 vintages were declassified; from vines planted in 2000 on Diamond Mountain at an altitude ranging from 900 to 1,300 feet): Good bright ruby. Aromas of currant, minerals, minerals, lead pencil and tobacco leaf, plus a strong element of brushy chaparral (California's garrigue?). Creamy-sweet and supple but with spine and energy to its wild berry flavors. Winemaker Mark Herold told me the crop level was just 1.8 tons per acre and the harvest took place on Halloween day. Nicely primary, long wine with suave tannins and firm structure.