2010 Scarecrow M. Etain
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Tasting notes
(the first commercial release of this classic second wine was 2008, according to winemaker Celia Welch, who added that 2007 was the last year this estate sold any of its fruit, although it continues to sell bulk wine; made from "younger vines and leftover pieces"): Bright medium ruby. Classic Rutherford cabernet aromas and flavors of currant, chocolate, mocha and fresh herbs, plus complex soil nuances and a note of graphite minerality. Sweet, succulent and quite approachable, with a minty note perking up the middle palate. Nicely dense wine with a firm spine of slightly dusty tannins. An excellent second wine and a very nice introduction to these extraordinary vineyards at a comparatively gentle price.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A wine that captures the essence of the vintage, Scarecrow's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon M. Etain literally bursts from the glass with vivid, beautifully articulated fruit. Black cherries, raspberry jam, plums, espresso, menthol and rosemary are just some of the many nuances that take shape in the glass. The 2010 is rich, full-bodied and beautifully layered from start to finish. Another year or two in bottle should help the firm 2010 tannins soften a touch. The 2010 includes 5% Petit Verdot in the final blend.
A wine that captures the essence of the vintage, Scarecrow's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon M. Etain literally bursts from the glass with vivid, beautifully articulated fruit. Black cherries, raspberry jam, plums, espresso, menthol and rosemary are just some of the many nuances that take shape in the glass. The 2010 is rich, full-bodied and beautifully layered from start to finish. Another year or two in bottle should help the firm 2010 tannins soften a touch. The 2010 includes 5% Petit Verdot in the final blend. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Scarecrow's 2010s are gorgeous, and also quite a big step up from the 2009s. For more background on the estate, readers may want to revisit my introductory comments in Issue 198. Tel. (707) 963-3361
About the producer
Scarecrow shot to fame with its debut 2003 vintage. The wine, named after the The Wizard of Oz character, is made exclusively from grapes from the J. J. Cohn vineyard in Napa’s Rutherford. Scarecrow is owned by Bret Lopez (J. J. Cohn’s grandson) and is very much a rarity in Napa.