2 - 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mohrhardt Ridge Vineyard, Sonoma County 750ml
2 - 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Handal-Denier Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley 750ml
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mohrhardt Ridge Vineyard, Sonoma County
This is our 22nd consecutive vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from Mohrhardt Ridge Vineyard. This unique mountainside location, only five miles away from the Pacific Ocean produces high quality grapes more consistently than any other vineyard from which we produce wine. Cool afternoon ocean breezes prolong the growing season, allowing development of rich yet soft tannins while retaining good acid levels and fresh aromas and flavors.
Mohrhardt Ridge is the most Bordeaux like of our Cabernets, very aromatic, with great complexity and elegant texture. The aromas are definitely those of a cool climate vineyard: raspberry, black pepper, violets, with hints of olive and tobacco. The oak (40% new French and American) is very well integrated, with hints of butterscotch, vanilla and caramel. The smooth entry, lively and persistent red fruit, and hallmark Mohrhardt Ridge silky texture lead to a long, balanced finish with just enough slightly chewy tannin to ensure longevity. While it is easy to drink now, it will only improve with age. This vintage will probably be at its best from 2013 to 2018 or so, but keep in mind that our Mohrhardt Ridge Cab has been a favorite “lay-down” wine of our club members for many years. We will be happy to share our impressions of how the wine is aging at any time; just give us a call. Enjoy the wine!
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Handal-Denier Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
In early 2003 Dick Handal and Alyce Denier purchased the old Hulen Vineyard, and hired the renowned Ulises Valdez to manage it. We continue to buy grapes from this wonderful little hillside vineyard above West Dry Creek Road. Beginning with the 2003 vintage this wine will be bottled as Handal-Denier Vineyard.
The Cabernet from this vineyard produces a full-bodied wine with plenty of rich soft tannins, making it both age worthy and approachable in its youth. It has been used in every Victory Reserve blend we have bottled since we began this association.
The aroma has good intensity, dominated by ripe fruit (cherry and blackberry) with notes of pepper, olive and vanilla. On the palate this Cabernet achieves the elusive combination of power and finesse, the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. A moderately sweet, supple entry and rich, but not heavy, middle lead to a long finish with soft tannins and lingering fruit aftertaste. We expect that this wine will continue to fill out, soften and gain finesse for several years to come.