2010 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is another huge, dark, imposing wine. Black olives, licorice, smoke and grilled herbs all come through nicely in this vivid Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 isn't markedly different from the 2009 stylistically, suggesting it is the terroir that marks the wine to the greatest degree. There is a bit more tannin and overall structure here, though, so readers will have to be patient. Huge layers of dark fruit laced with exotic overtones of tar, incense and licorice saturate the palate on the finish. The only problem with the 2010 will be finding it, as production is down sharply from 2009.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is another huge, dark, imposing wine. Black olives, licorice, smoke and grilled herbs all come through nicely in this vivid Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 isn’t markedly different from the 2009 stylistically, suggesting it is the terroir that marks the wine to the greatest degree. There is a bit more tannin and overall structure here, though, so readers will have to be patient. Huge layers of dark fruit laced with exotic overtones of tar, incense and licorice saturate the palate on the finish. The only problem with the 2010 will be finding it, as production is down sharply from 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030. Lindstrom’s Nicali Vineyard in Stags’ Leap is notable for a cool microclimate that produces small grapes packed with flavor, structure and incredible personality. Tel. (707) 226-6289; www.lindstromwines.com

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is cool and quite introverted. There is plenty of depth to the dark fruit but today the wine's structural components dominate the wine's balance. Still, it is impossible to ignore the pedigree of what is in the glass. Expressive spiced, mentholated notes wrap around the finish.