98 Point Vintage - Wine Spectator Magazine’s editor in chief, James Laube
The 2010 Young Ridge Premium Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is revealing all of the beautiful notes that only come from a perfectly aged Napa Cab. Rich leather, dark chocolate, mahogany, cherry compote, and allspice. Flavors are equally rich and nuanced with violets, tobacco, sandalwood, hints of smoke and cherry. A rich nutty flavor has emerged from the aging process. After aging gracefully for nearly 10 years, the tannins glide over your palate leaving you thoroughly satisfied with an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel.
The Vineyards (owned by Leroy & Patty Young) The Young Ridge Estate Vineyard is surrounded by two vineyard blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon. These blocks sit high on the ridge to the west of the town of Napa adjoining to Brown's Valley. This area on the edge of the Carneros district is characterized by a long, moderately cool growing season sweetened by the breezes and lingering fog of the San Pablo Bay. This provides optimum conditions for the slow, even ripening of and perfect balance in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaker Julianna Beckmann Gosling started her winemaking career as an intern at Robert Mondavi Winery, and after graduating from the University of California at Davis, she worked at both Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards. Today Julianna oversees all aspects of the winemaking process, shepherding the wines through from vineyard to bottle.
"WARM DAYS, COLD NIGHTS, AND ROCKY, WELL DRAINED SOILS ARE AN IDEAL COMBINATION FOR THIS WORLD CLASS CABERNET SAUVIGNON." ~ Juliana Beckman Gosling
VINTAGE: 2010
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
VARIETAL: 86% Cabernet, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cab Franc
ABV: 15.22%
PH: 3.72
TA: 0.68
AGING: Aged 24 months 100% French Oak (40% new)
WINEMAKER: Julianna Beckmann Gosling
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
