2010 Amuse Bouche Red
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Tasting notes
From a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc , the wine offers dusty, fresh, dark cherries, plum, chocolate and earthy tones. Soft, silky and polished, the round finish serves up sweet dark berries, espresso bean and cocoa. 92 Points
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Amuse Bouche Red Blend (93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc from Rutherford vineyards) is considered to be a California version of a top-class Pomerol. It possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sexy, mocha and black cherry-scented bouquet with a hint of background toast. Round, juicy, supple-textured and opulent, it is hard to resist this medium to full-bodied red’s abundant quantities of fruit, glycerin and character. Enjoy it over the next decade. The Au Sommet Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a high elevation estate vineyard on Atlas Peak, and is looked after by well-known winemaker Heidi Barrett. Tel. (707) 251-9300
The 2010 Amuse Bouche is a bit brighter and more focused than the 2009. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support the fruit in this nicely delineated, chiseled wine. Plums, dark cherries, mint and licorice all jump from the glass as the 2010 continues to open up. The combination of juiciness and structure is highly appealing. The long growing season produced a gorgeous, beautifully balanced wine.